Happy Birthday, Baby Ty!

Dear Tyler,

Today is such a special day because you turned a year old! I can hardly believe you've already been with us for an entire year. It seems like the time has gone by quickly, and you've certainly grown up right before our eyes.

Your Daddy and I have spent much of the day reminiscing about this time last year when you joined our family. It was such a special time for all of us, and we were so happy to finally see your sweet face. You were so tiny and fragile and we were scared to death. We worried about every minuscule decision that needed to be made, and we fretted over every tear that dropped from your beautiful blue eyes. We were in love. There was no denying it.

Soon after we came home from the hospital, we began wondering if we'd ever sleep again, eat again, shower again, or leave the house again. You seemed to consume every ounce of energy we had! We felt so blessed and so exhausted all at the same time. Even through our sleepy eyes, we could see what a treasure you were. We spent hours on end admiring every move you made and every inch of your precious body. We were in awe of the miracle of you, and we thanked God for allowing us the privilege of being your parents.

And, in thinking about it, I guess not a lot has changed. Yes, you can now sleep through the night and feed yourself to some degree, and you hold up your head, and you climb and crawl and cruise. You've grown a whole lot this year and you definitely aren't as helpless as when we first met you. But, even with those changes, we're still in love and we haven't stopped admiring you, cherishing every moment, and thanking God that you are ours.

I feel so lucky to be your Mommy. I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I'm glad I have you. You have such a sweet personality and you are everything I ever dreamed you'd be and more. I can't tell you how proud of you I am. Words just wouldn't suffice. I pray that every day, through all we do, you will see by my actions and hear in my voice how precious you are to me.

I have never received a greater gift than to be able to share my life with you, and I feel like we've only just begun to open the package. I am excited as I think about the future and all that the years before us hold.

Happy Birthday, sweet Baby Ty. I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with you. May God bless you and protect you now and always.


I love you,

Mommy

This is what my house looks like after the invasion of the birthday gifts. I'm delighted to see Ty having such fun, but I'm in a panic over what I'm going to have to do to get this mess cleaned up!!