ONE!!!

Ryleigh,

When I happily learned that I was pregnant with you,

I went out in search of a book that would be "yours",

the special one we would read to you at bedtime.

Just like one we were given when your big sister was born. 

Nancy Tillman's "Wherever You Are" had come out the year before.

I read the first page or two with tears in my eyes 

and knew I had found it.

The first time your daddy read it to you, 

he had the very same reaction. 

The sweet message holds true, not just on your first birthday,

but for every birthday you celebrate, and every day in general.

Tonight while we snuggle with you and read your book to you,

we will hold you extra tight. 

We are so very thankful for the gift of you.

Happy, Happy Birthday to our darling, our angel, our star:

 "I wanted you more

than you will ever know,

so I sent love to follow 

wherever you go.

 It's high as you wish it. It's quick as an elf.

You'll never outgrow it...it stretches itself.

 So climb any mountain...

climb up to the sky!

My love will find you.

My love can fly!

 Make a big splash! Go out on a limb!

My love will find you. My love can swim!

 It never gets lost, never fades, never ends...

 If you're working...or playing...or sitting with friends. 

 You can dance 'til you're dizzy...

paint 'til you're blue...

There's no place, not one,

that my love can't find you. 

 And if someday you're lonely,

or someday you're sad, 

or you strike out at baseball,

or think you've been bad...

just lift up your face, feel the wind in your hair.

That's me, my sweet baby, my love is right there. 

 In the green of the grass...in the smell of the sea...
in the clouds floating by...

at the top of the tree...
in the sound crickets make at the end of the day...

 'You are loved. You are loved. You are loved,'

they all say.

 My love is so high, and so wide and so deep,

it's always right there, 

even when you're asleep. 

 So hold your head high

and don't be afraid

to march to the front

of your own parade.

If you're still my small babe

or you're all the way grown,

my promise to you 

is you're never alone. 

You are my angel, my darling,

my star...and my love will find you,

wherever you are."