Soon to be One (by Kevin)

We are in the final days until Sapphire Elizabeth Kouri's first birthday, the Big One Year. It was at 10:10 am on December 26th 2008 that she graced us with her presences at Fletcher Allen Hospital in Burlington, VT. Emma labored over Christmas dinner and into the night before she told me it was go time to get her to the hospital at 6 am in the morning. I remember the drive down South Prospect like it was yesterday. It was so calm and peaceful in the city, the day after Christmas, as we drove to the hospital. Emma had been meditating and relaxing in the spirit of hypnobirthing. We were confident that the birth was going to be pain free and without troubles for the mother and child. Sapphire was a day late for Santa Claus but this was the best gift we could have asked for in 2008. Less then 1 month old

WOW a year has gone by so fast. It is truly amazing. I find myself reminiscing more then I usually do this time of year because of the events of the last year. Emma and I find ourselves saying to one another the last month or so "remember this time last year......" We are truly blessed with a roof over our heads, we both have jobs and even though it seems like there is never enough loot in the bank account we manage to do what we need to do. We have become more conscious then ever before about the mighty dollar now that we are parents but this is a good thing. Being fiscally responsible when corporate America and the US government was not in 2008-2009 is now the cool hip thing to do in 2009-2010.

There is one thing money can not buy as we search for what Sapphire will need to grow up to be a well rounded member of society and that one thing is love. Emma and I are blessed to both have loving parents that are actively involved in what we are doing. We also have siblings that are excited about Sapphire and want to share the love as well. There are soon to be two uncle's on both sides of the family. As the family grows with marriages and little feet running about this love will sustain families through all the hard times whatever they are. So Emma and I can not go out and buy love, but we can make sure that she is surrounded with the people and things that we believe will give her the tools to grow and prosper.

I think about her three aunt's: Kristen, Hannah and Penelope. Great woman in each of their own way and Sapphire is going to learn so much from each of them. Hannah will contribute the artistic/musical side, Penelope her huge heart and smarts and Kristen her NYC chic and sophistication. Sapphire will not be lacking the things that make a woman smart, sophisticated, beautiful and elegant. Just look at her mother she embodies it all. She carried Sapphire during the final months of her PhD right into the defense a month before giving birth, she's months away from rejoining the cabaret group again and she has to put up with my BS. That is one strong woman.

The other day I received a text message from Hannah. The message was entitled "Future's so bright she's gotta wear shades". As a parent you hope the way you raise your child that you are leading them down the right path so that their future is bright and filled with many opportunities. We think that everyone in this family has something to share and offer us and Sapphire. It is these things that we look for, bits of wisdom to take and pass on. Will her future be bright, without a doubt it will be. Family and friends will help along the way but Emma and I ultimately need to find it for ourselves and our family.

I hope Sapphire realizes that one day wearing sunglasses during the glooming days, night time and anytime is a sign of being upbeat, optimistic and lets not forget cool.

So the first year/chapter in her life book is coming to a close and it has been a BLAST. If you are having a bad day remember there is always tomorrow and put a pair of shade's on because like Sapphire's future yours can be bright too.

"Man it is bright out today" Almost One Year Old (taken 12/21/09)