Elyse Ann...You're 1!

Today my baby turns 1...366 days ago (this was a leap year), our precious baby girl entered this world & things have been exciting & wonderful & scary & exhausting & beautiful every day since! 

 

Elyse Ann,

My precious daughter it seems like just yesterday you came into this world with some dramatic flair, but yet it's so difficult for your daddy & momma to ever imagine life without you.  You have brought such incredibly joy into our lives and there have been so many times where we have wondered what we ever did with all of our time before you arrived.  Man, we wasted so much time! 

You bring such life & happiness to everyone you encounter & I pray that you would always find the joy in life as you seem to find it every day.  Your little crinkly nosed grin may be the death of us, as I'm tempted to do absolutely anything you want when you grin at me.  I have enjoyed every stage before this one and I'm sure I'll enjoy almost every stage in the future, but I've quickly decided that I'm not really a tiny baby person.  I love that every day we can interact with each other & learn from each other.  I love that we are beginning to understand each other more & more & that when you learn something new your eyes light up with such wonder.

On those days when I feel like I don't get to spend as much time with you, I have this desire to go grab you from your crib after you're asleep and just look at you...but I don't because we're certainly enjoying the fact that you like to sleep.  I treasure our days at home together & I treasure even more those nights at home as family when we can simply play in the floor together and laugh & giggle as you show your true personality. 

God is going to do some amazing things with your precious life and I only hope that I can guide you in the right direction.  He loves you more than even your momma & daddy do & I pray that his love will flow through you and out to those all around you.  In those times when you feel like no one understands & that life is so hard, remember that God is right there beside you with his arms open wide just willing you to take a step in his direction.  Fall on Him, and into Him and it's in Him that you will truly find peace. 

Baby girl, I pray that you would be a friend to those who truly need a friend, confident in yourself and your abilities, and respectful to everyone around you.  Your momma & daddy love you more than I can possibly put into words & I hope that you never question our love for you.  You are truly the best thing that has ever happened to me...you are my little toot, my baby girl, my daughter. 
Happy 1st Birthday Elyse Ann!

Love always & forever,

Your momma