First Birthday

Dear Gabe,

Happy first birthday! I can't believe you're already one! Everyone told me how fast time flies when you have a child. I believed them but didn't understand how much it really speeds by. I feel sad today because I know how quickly the first year has gone and I don't want the rest of the years to pass me by so fast. But I'm also so happy to see how you've grown and to reflect on the wonderful little person you're becoming!

The thing I've loved most about your first year is being your mom. I know that sounds a bit trite and typical, but I've never been a mom before and I love it. It is a huge honor to take care of you everyday, to teach you little things, to comfort you when your sad, to play when you're happy, and to cuddle you when you're tired. I know all those things will be continue as you get older, but I really have liked them this year.

There are lots of things I would wish for you, but these are a few of the highlights that come to my mind...

I hope you come to know Jesus as your own personal Savior. I want you to know Him the way I know Him - as a wonderful, loving, holy Father who desires amazing things for your life.

I hope you learn to feed yourself. I love feeding you, but you're so picky on the textures you like. I hope you start liking a variety of foods and that you like to try to eat them with your own spoon.

I hope you learn to enjoy peace and calm. Those aren't always available in large quantities at our house since your dad and I are pretty intense people, but I want you to have opportunities to experience them and know how to seek them out for yourself.

I hope you always know I love you fully. You don't have to meet any standards or goals to be loved by me. You just are.

I hope you escape my hangups. That's probably too tall an order, but at the very least I want you to know that I know I have my own hangups and issues and I'm sorry that they'll probably effect you.

Happy first birthday to my very precious son! I love you!

Much love,
Mom