Today is your first birthday. I snuggled you extra long last night before bed, realizing you wouldn't be a baby when you woke up. I can't believe it's really been a whole year since you were born. I took you to our old house today and showed you where I labored at home with you, and wondered just what you'd be like. We drove by the hospital and a flood of nostalgia and joy came over me as I thought about the first moment I held you and kissed you. I worked hard for you, sweetheart, and you were worth it all.
That day, a year ago, started a whole new life for us. A life I never dreamed could be so good. I watched you at your birthday party the other day and was in awe that you're mine. You, full of sweetness, tenacity, and joy, are all ours! It has been a complete joy being your mama. You have showed me how a love deeper than I've ever known. I just love doing life with you!
I know I always say it, but getting to watch your personality unfold, and to see you become a little lady has been so fun. You're crawling like crazy, but are taking your sweet time learning to walk. You adore being outside and even more if there are animals out there. I'm waiting for the day you somehow talk us into getting you a kitten. I could watch you play outside for hours, as you point to everything and observe every little blade of grass, and taste anything you can. Whenever you hear a bird or a plane you point at it and look at me as if saying "Mom did you see that too?!"Your first words where, "Oh Yeah". I'm not even kidding. And it still cracks us up every time you say it. You love playing with older kids, and your Daddy is the apple of your eye. I melt watching the two of you together.
We had your dedication this last weekend and I beamed with pride as we prayed over you and dedicated your life to the Lord. I pray that you fall in love with Jesus from a young age and grow in his tenacious love for you. I pray that you have a heart to love and bless others, and will help make the world more beautiful, as you reach out your hands to help those in need. I pray that you always keep your sense of wonder at the beauty around you, and that you pull that beauty out of people. Showing them the way God sees them. And, I pray that you see yourself the way that God sees you.
This year, I can't wait to travel with you, to blow even more hundreds of bubbles in the backyard, to giggle at the waves on the beach, and keep snuggling before bed. I'm excited to start watching you walk and eventually twirl and eventually dance. I can't even wait to hear what your little voice sounds like when you sing. And I'm so excited to watch you be a big sister, one day. But for now, I'm soaking up every day with you because it is perfection.
You're Daddy and I love you so much, sweet girl.
xo
{Photo by your amazing Auntie Kimmy :: Kim Koop Photography}
