Happy Birthday. . .

Oh my goodness, where has the time gone?? My sweet Hayley is one year old today. This time last year I had just finished being stitched up for about 45 minutes (I did not have a c-section) and my 9 pound baby girl had begun to captivate our hearts. I never imagined my heart would be able to love a little thing as much as I do my Hayley. I am amazed as I look back over the year and see all of the changes in her. She keeps getting taller and taller (close to the 100th percentile in height) and her personality is the greatest. She keeps us laughing with the funny things she'll say or do. I love how she said, "Gotta go" before she said mommy. As many have commented, "What a typical 21st century baby!" : ) She has an incredible independent streak which I love (one of the only things about her that reminds me of me---she's all Tra otherwise, except for her chubby cheeks---that's me too). I love how when she gets tired of doing animal sounds over and over, we'll ask her what a cow says and she'll say, "Moo, roar!" As if to say, "I know they're about to ask me what a lion says too, so I'll just remind them that I KNOW IT!!!" I really love to go check on her after she has been napping for awhile and catch her sitting up in her bed flipping through books with that pacifier in her mouth and little silk blankie close by.

Hayley Brooke, you have brought more joy into this home that you can ever imagine. The only time you'll truly understand is when you bring your first child home one day and experience this incredible gift from God. I love you more than words could ever express. I am so thankful for the gift of you at the perfect time in our lives. God is so good. As much as I love you, He loves you so much more. What an honor that He chose daddy and me to be able to have you during our short time on this earth. What a joy to think about spending eternity with you! Daddy and I and so many others have prayed that the Lord would draw you to Himself and reveal to you that he is the son of the Almighty God. We pray that you will not only accept him as your Lord and Savior, but that you will be blessed abundantly by His love, strength, joy and peace during your lifetime. I love that your name means "Courageous". I don't know what plans God has for you, but I have a feeling that courage might play a significant role in your life. When I begin thinking about your future and wishing I knew what lay ahead of you so I could protect you in every way possible, I think about the verse that is painted on your wall that we read so many mornings, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
He holds you in the palm of His mighty hand. He's ALWAYS there---when I fail you, when daddy fails you, when friends fail you----He is ALWAYS right beside you. And if He isn't beside you, He is carrying you. Never forget that, sweet angel. You are precious, sweet baby girl. What a fun year we have ahead! What a JOY it is to be your mommy! I love you to the moon, and back. . .