Birthday Boy

Baby Boy,

You turn one tomorrow. I know this is completely cliche, but I really can't believe it. I am very excited to celebrate your life and your advancement towards "toddlerhood."

Your first year of life has been quite a crazy one and one full of blessing as we have seen God carrying us through. Daddy graduated, got a new job, we moved to my parent's house and then to our first house, you learned to eat table food, you learned to crawl, you learned to drink from a sippy cup, you learned to pull up, you learned to sleep all night in your own room, you learned simple words like "bye-bye," you learned the meaning of "no," and you are learning how to play nicely with your sister and how to ask for more food without throwing a fit. Wow, one's first year of life is full of LOTS of learning!

When I think of you, there is mainly one word that comes to mind: STRONG. God designed you to be incredibly strong. You can leap out of people's arms (scary, I know) and you try to do sit-ups while getting your diaper changed. Strangers usually guess you are 18 months old. I weighed you and your sister this morning just out of curiosity. My guess was right. According to our scale, you each weigh 25 pounds.

I vividly remember the first few months of your life. Every time I nursed you, I would pray Joshua 1:9 over you. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." This verse became my special verse for you. It just made sense. God first spoke it to Joshua, your namesake. And it was clear to me that God was building your body to be strong and giving you an adventurous spirit. I prayed fervently that God will use your strength to bring Him glory. I asked God to give you courage to do hard things. I prayed that you will want to be a Godly leader, like Daddy and like the Joshua of the Bible.

I'm thankful to be your mommy, sweet boy. I can't wait to see all that God will do through you. Happy Birthday, Jack Attack! Off to make your birthday cake. I can't wait to watch you devour it.

Love,
Mama