Alrighty people… this is overdue but better late than never.

My very dear Kassidy,

You’ve made it! One year on this big ole world and what a year it’s been for you. You’ve traveled, you’ve moved and you’ve melted hearts all over the place. Let’s go over some highlights

To begin with, you came into the world bringing some drama. You surprised us by coming a week earlier than the scheduled C-section. Which was awesome, because I got to do the whole “I’ve got to go! Baby’s coming!” deal at work. So thanks for that J. Just like with Hudson, I was there watching over the sheet as the docs opened your Momma up and began to take you out. You were a slippery one! Doc Amy had to use 2 of these little sucker tools to get a good hold of your head and pull you out. Right away I knew you had gotten your share of the ornery genes. You were a perfect, tiny little thing. It was love at first sight.

You came out tiny but that didn’t last for too long. Momma was feeding you so good that you chunked up fantastically. Your Mom was disappointed that Hudson wasn’t a chunk, so you made her happy there.

From there you progressed normally. You learned to crawl, walk, and try to drink my Mountain Dew cans. Just like Hudson, you developed a fascination with my choice of drink. Both of you just can’t leave my drink alone, or my Xbox controller. Unlike your brother, who just wanted to chew on the controller, you seemed to understand that it actually DID SOMETHING.

You’ve been all over the map. We’ve taken you to Illinois, Georgia, Walt Disney World, Wyoming, Utah, Hawaii and several states in between. For the most part, you were a good traveler.

You are lucky enough to have so many grandparents who love you. Mama Rae and Papa Dale in Washington, Papa and Nana in Illinois and Grandmomma Susie in Georgia see to it that no matter where we are, you are always loved. Each of them has their own special relationship with you and always look forward to spending time with you.

You are blessed to have Hudson as your older brother. I’m glad that the two of you are so close in age, so that you can help each other during the highs and lows of life. He loves you and is so concerned with your welfare. He’s still a little boy, and rowdy, so we have to watch him; but I’d rather have him cuddle you too hard than not cuddle at all. And you love him! He bounces around and you follow him. You scrabble with each other over toys and the iPad. You may not always be perfect angels together, but I am happy to know there is love there.

You came into our lives during a time of transition and uncertainty, little one. Only months after you arrived we made the decision to move the family to Illinois so that I could go back to school for my masters. It’s been wild, crazy, disheartening, stressful and downright unpleasant. While life has been the challenge it is supposed to be, you are one of the many blessings our Heavenly Father has blessed us with. It is my privilege to cuddle and comfort you at night and gently sway you to sleep. It is my honor to swing you up and catch you, carrying you about on my shoulders. I have so much love and affection for you. You have such happiness in your countenance, little girl. You love to laugh and smile, particularly when with your Momma. When life has gotten hectic and stressful for your Momma and me, we have been blessed to have your sweet spirit to lift up ours. I love each of the souls that Heavenly Father has entrusted your sweet mother and I with. It is a testimony to me that He loves and knows us, because He has sent us you and your brother.

Fear not the future, o sweet baby girl, because your Heavenly Father and His chosen earthly representative are here. Together, we will help guide you on the path back to Him. Place your faith in Him, have patience with me, and we’ll get there together. J

Love always,

Dad