Birthday Wishes!

It is so hard to believe that our daughter turned 1 today at 15:51. As I reflect on the past year, my heart is so full. Blessing has amazed me every day. She is an amazing little girl who has taught me so much. I can't believe that a year has passed.



Blessing has taught me all about patience. Every day she tests me and pushes my buttons, especially on the days where she is clingy. Blessing tends to want my full attention at all times - one of the problems of being a stay-at-home mommy. However, Blessing pushing my buttons is worth every second of being home. It has been very wonderful to be able to make sacrifices to spend time with her. It has been awesome to see the little things that happen as a baby grows into a toddler - from rolling over, to laughing, to taking the first step. I can't imagine missing one second of that.



I wish that I could put all that I am feeling into words. Blessing is so much of a blessing. She is the light of my life, the one thing that tends to shine even when the going gets tough. Over this past year, she has made me smile so many times and laugh that many more times. She has caused my heart to break as she has fallen off the couch or missed a step and fallen down a step or two. She has made me just shake my head as she wasn't wearing a diaper and decided to poop and then smear it on every step as she came to the main floor from the second floor. She has tested my patience as she has thrown food off the table onto the floor, and then managed to smoosh it into the carpet.



I can't tell you how much I enjoy her cuddling. When she was first born, she didn't want anything to do with cuddling with mommy. She would cuddle with daddy and fall asleep for him. But not mommy. However, in the past month, she has cuddled with me. She has fallen asleep on my chest several times and ran to me and given me gigantic hugs. Those hugs mean the world. It is so rewarding to be hugged and to know that she appreciates me and loves me just as much as I love her.



I would give my life for her. I want to protect her, teach her, and help her to develop into a beautiful young girl. Each day, I want to help her to learn about her Creator and discover life.



I'm not very good with this, but Blessing, you are an amazing young girl. You have taught me so many things - from what love is to caring for a little person. You have given me joy that couldn't have come from anywhere else. You have given me peace. You have helped me to find my true place in life - to discover what happiness truly is. Blessing, you have changed my life and helped me to become a better person - just by being you. You have helped me to see who I was and strive to be a better person, a better mommy, and a better wife for your daddy. Blessing, you have helped me to focus on the good things in life. I love you and will do anything for you. You are a Child of God!



Ok, on another note, we had Blessing's birthday party on Sunday. We invited grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a few friends who have meant a lot to us. We had a meal (lasagne, homemade rolls, salad, and of course, cake and ice cream). Following the meal, we opened up gifts and then ate cake and homemade ice cream. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with excitement and fellowship. Blessing received some much needed things (a Leap Frog discovery table, a sheep rocker, a rocking chair, an outside swing, a push/riding toy, some mega blocks, and a couple of outfits). These were unexpected, but so very much appreciated. Blessing will get some excellent use out of them and enjoy playing with them.



Happy Birthday to our amazing little girl! We wish you many more years of happiness and many more years of discovery and learning. Know that your mommy and daddy loves you so much and will always be here for you! We love you!

Pictures will come soon!!!