Happy First Anniversary of Birth to Daniel (and Me!)

One year ago today, at 6:07AM, Daniel was born gently at home in the water. He was born a few feet from where he now sleeps at night, in the space that we've just recently started calling "Daniel's room."

Words completely fail me when I try to describe this first year of parenthood. It has seemed to pass by very fast...and also agonizingly slow at times. It's been extremely joyful while also being the most difficult thing I've ever done in my life. The best I can do is to say: It's been incredible. It's been awesome. And I'm glad I can say that I've truly soaked in every moment.

I'll write a proper one year post later, as Jaymz and I were—perhaps very appropriately, considering the anniversary of the finale of my epic labor—up until the wee hours comforting a very grumpy and sleepless baby. (He might've eaten too much dairy, or he's coming down with a cold, or maybe we were helping him welcome a new tooth for his birthday...only time will tell which it was!)

In any case, in celebration of this special day, I'd love for you to share your thoughts on birth, your birth stories, your favorite birthday-celebration ritual, what kind of cake you'd choose to take to a deserted island, or anything (tangentially related) that comes to mind. I can't wait to read what you have to say!