The best year ever

I figured I should take the time to write this down lest I forget later.

Three days ago, we celebrated AJ's first birthday.

One day ago, we had the perfect birthday celebration.

And not a moment passes that I don't stop and thank God for my life, my family, my friends, and for the wonderful blessing I call my son.

This is for you my son, a note on your first birthday.

My little one,

A year ago, our lives changed forever when we had you. You were perfect, not too big and not too little, you were content to be just right. You lit our world on fire when you were born, and since the day you arrived, we have loved you more and more. 

I look at you, and I am amazed. Your little mind is working at a rapid rate. You don't like others to intervene and help you, rather, you prefer to figure things out for yourself. You have an independent streak a mile wide, and you don't like others to tell you what to do. You have a tenacity for life, an uninhibited zeal for adventure. I never see fear in your eyes, you just look on like you already know, God will take care of you. I love that you believe in a trust so deep that not even words could describe it.

You live to be outside. I dream of what you will grow up to become, from a lawyer to a doctor, to a rancher or a farmer, and then I circle back to one singular thought--I want you to be like your Daddy. I want you to be hard-working and selfless, kind and compassionate, quiet and strong. Your Daddy is a man who may not have riches here on Earth, but his faith is exemplified by the depth of his character. Your Daddy loves you to the moon and back, as do I.

You are our world.

There are babies all over the world who are hurt or sick, scared or alone. You may not have much, but you are healthy and safe with us. I cry often when I look at you and know your little body is healthy and whole. I storm the gates of Heaven with prayers of Thanksgiving for keeping you safe and well.

I know there was more I wanted to write, but words seem to be eluding me. Your story is far from over my little one, in fact, it is just the beginning. My prayer is that you will write the story that you want to, that you will dare to dream the impossible, and that you will run the race set out in front of you. Grab life by the horns my son, live life to the fullest, and never waste a day. Time is precious, make everyday count.

I will be here for all of it, and I will love you all of my days.

With love on your birthday,
Mama