A Very Happy Birthday

Madeleine came home last night and is having a great birthday- she slept all night and woke up at 6AM raring and ready to go. Kirsten and I are ecstatic and grateful beyond words. When we look back on the past year, we're floored by all that we've learned and grateful for all of the blessings we've received. Most of all, we're just glad to be parents to a wonderful little girl.

Our plans for tonight are pretty simple. We can't have a ton of folks around as we don't want to risk an infection. Therefore, we're staying home and good friends are coming over for take out Chinese. Yes- its strange but it fits as this was my meal last year after the emergency birth- friends and family purchased it for me and it was awaiting me when I finally left the hospital. This year is much better as I get to share it with the same friends and the two ladies in my life. For dessert, my sister-in-law has mailed a cake- she's a baking savant- and I'm sure we'll have Madeleine smash up a piece of it. She can't eat it but I think she deserves the right to get sticky.

We'll take a bunch of pictures and I promise to post them ASAP. In the meantime, thanks again for everyone's support. I've said it many times and it bears mentioning again- we are humbled by everyone's support and caring throughout Madeleine's struggles and we hope to celebrate today and future milestones with you. Have a great day!