VEHE BARN FAMILY PHOTOS: MELISSA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY: QUINNLY RAE

There is no force so great to turn parent into complete mush than when their baby is about to turn 1. For both of my kids, on their actual day, I was great! Bring on the celebration. Every little thing leading up to it...Oh man. "This is the last time I get to rock them before they turn one. This is their last sleep before they turn one. Then they'll turn 20. Ok. That's obviously an exaggeration but it sure doesn't feel like it when lulling that perfection of a baby to sleep the night before. I remember wiping tears off my cheeks before they'd drip down and touch hers. It's this weird mix of utter sadness for time that we surely can't grasp. Joy for how wonderful this little human is. Pride for making it through a full year of undoubtably really challenging times. I say that the first birthday is an equal celebration for child + parent. You guys made it! And Quinnly is so your beautiful flower child. She undoubtably is and will continue to get so much love from you guys. How lucky is she!

xoxo,

Melissa