One

One year since we left Chicago, since I finished graduate school, since I began a new job, since my daughter Emma was born. One year later... a world away. I have watched my beautiful baby girl grow more beautiful still, and ever more skilled and aware of her world as these precious days have passed, and I know of all the changes that have shaped the last year of my life, she has been the most life altering of them all. We celebrated her first birthday over the weekend, and reflected on all the ways she has enriched, strengthened, and even challenged, but certainly irrevocably shaped our lives for the better. She's taught us to sacrifice, but also to hope and to trust again. She has filled out home with laughter and love, and given me a new reason to love my wife as I watch her thrive in the motherhood she was made to have. I have enjoyed every moment of her little life; every little breath, every little milestone, and though I would love to keep her this age forever, I also can't wait to see what she does next. I can't believe how proud I am of how far she's already come, and how many joys I take as a father in raising her, in instilling in her all that is lovely and right about our world, and in watching her learn, grow, and discover that world, and eventually even change it.

Emma Joslynn Smith September 6, 2008