To Zara...My Muse

Pics from Zara's Birthday Party. Dress from ASOS The bubble machine was a hit!

My Dear Sweet Zara,
You are officially a year old! You are simply amazing. Your presence simply amazes me. You bring so much joy to me and your dad but really to everyone who knows you. You have managed to be the catalyst for me to mend fences and reconnect with family members who I had written off. But more than any of that, you give me hope. Hope that when all is bad in the world, there is still some good. I hope to raise you as the most gangsta baby ever. Smile with friends, stare at fools. (Your mom is so childish lol :) You wake up literally with a smile on your face and a conversation each morning and I can't figure out why I didn't have you years ago. You have your dad's eyelashes and my dimples. His love for music but my ability to keep a beat. #shadenoshade I enjoy every single second with you, even the ones when you refuse to eat your sweet potatoes because you prefer to gnaw on some grilled chicken. (Another sign that you are my child) I wish for you what I wish for every child. Peace, fun, love. A real childhood. Here's to many more years to come. You inspire me to do better. To be better. To know better. And for that...I thank you.
Love, Mommy

A special thank you to @_shandart for surprising me and Zara with this beautiful illustration of my baby on the morning of her bday. It somehow reflects exactly the life I want for Zara. P.S...remember Shanda is also responsible for my wedding portrait. And my blog header:)