William's 1st Birthday!

Wow. It has been a whole year since Baby William was born. Sitting here, reflecting on his birth, I can't believe it has really been a year. Doesn't seem possible.

That tiny baby has grown into a very handsome, now toddler, and he is so very loved.

I thought writing this would be so easy. That the words would just flow out. But. I'm struggling to find the right words for this day. This day is so much bigger than a child's birthday. (not that a child's birthday is a light celebration of course) This day is about a child's birthday that had been years waiting, hoped and prayed for; that one day these wonderful men would get to have a child to celebrate a 1st birthday for. They got it. William was born one year ago and today marks that family being made.

Oh William. You have no idea the impact you have made on so many lives, still in womb. Your fathers, for obvious reasons. Your extended family. They waited right along with your parents, waiting your arrival with much anticipation and love to give you. Years of love built up just for you. Me. I can't even tell you how your birth changed me as a person. It may not seem like it on the outside, but you have changed the way I view the world. Your birth taught me that no matter what is going on in life, no matter what society says, no matter who is out there trying to knock you down for being "different," with love, ambition, persistence, faith, the drive, and supportive people around you, GREAT things will happen, without a doubt. Your birth touched my heart in a place I didn't know existed. In a way, I didn't know was possible.

When I look at pictures of you all together, my heart swells. I just have to sit there for a moment and stare at it; take it in. You are a beautiful family. You have the most amazing parents a kid could ask for. You have the most loving family. You are going to grow into an amazing man full of love and compassion. I am so honored and forever will be, to have been picked to home you for those nine months. Next to my own children's births, yours was the next most amazing thing I have ever done in my life.

This day is all about you little buddy. You. How you touched all of us. How you will continue to touch us. How you will touch the world.

Happy birthday Little William. Your Cooperrider family will always be here for you. We love you.
P.S. Heard you were not feeling well yesterday, hope you are feeling much better today.

The birthday boy!!

                                             

Bowing out the candles!

                                                      

   He does not look so sure about this whole cake thing. lol

                                        

   Testing the waters here.

                                                   

That is a messy birthday boy.

The outfit. Oh that outfit. Love it.

To follow updates on Little William and general surrogacy information please follow here:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Surrogacy-Journey/329999400470102