#1 in the Year of Babies for 2013 is miss Violet Elizabeth,

born to my bestie, Brooke, and her hubs, Troy, on Thursday, May 30!!

The most beautiful family photo EVER! Brooke is such a gorgeous momma.

She. Is. Perfect.

Brooke and I have known each other since 5th grade – two years shy of 20 years (crazy! Are we really that old??!).  Sometimes we were best friends, sometimes we were mortal enemies, you know how it is with girls. 😉

But now, after all we’ve been through together, she’s simply my sister.  We’re in this together for life.  Even though distance might be putting a bit of a damper on our relationship, she’s still my bestie, the person I can tell anything to and know that she’ll be there with some straight-shooting, honest words.  When her first baby, little Carter-Man, was born, we were still living in Indiana, and I got to be by her side throughout the entire pregnancy.  I’m so grateful for that time together, especially now since we’re living in NC, and I only got to see her prego belly once while she was pregnant with Violet.

It killed me not to be there on Thursday when Violet was born.  I was awakened by a text message around 7 am that Brooke’s water broke and Violet was on her way!!  I spent the morning unable to concentrate on anything but refreshing Twitter and Facebook, waiting for baby updates.  Within a few hours, she was here!  Healthy, happy, and absolutely gorgeous!  (Those cheeks!!)  I’m so happy that she got her daddy’s dark hair (I love dark haired babies), and I have no doubt that she will be as beautiful as her momma as she grows.

Brooke, I love you so much!!  You are my sister, and I’m so thankful for you and all that we’ve been through together.  You are such a wonderful momma, and I have never been so proud of you and the kick-ass life you’re living.  I am SO happy for you and your beautiful family.  I will be home to see you and beautiful Violet soon!!!  Until then, sending you all so much love!