Judah David Turns One

I woke up this morning and glanced over at the little person next to me. With his round face, curly blond hair, long eyelashes, and cheeks flushed with sleep he looked so precious. I wanted to pull him into me and cover his little face with kisses. I remembered the morning, just one year ago, waking up to the tiny swaddled bundle next to me and having the same sentiment of overwhelming love. How is it, handsome son of ours, that you are already one year old?

"Um Mama, there is a problem here, and it is that I am not in your arms!"

We celebrated your birthday last night with a simple but fun family dinner. Big sister and I had such a fun time decorating the house in dinosaurs and scurrying about trying to get everything clean. We kept saying to you, "this is how much we love you, Judah!" as we mopped the floor and dusted everywhere. Of course, you were in your favourite place, my arms, as I scrubbed. You've mastered the art of clinging to me and lifting your legs high off the ground if I try to set you down. It sure is exhausting toting you around, but it makes my heart so full having your little self stuck to me.

 We had such a happy night celebrating your life. Looking around the room at all of the joy filled faces, it became so apparent to me (yet again) that even though the first year of your life was a very helpless year, the gift you gave to those around you by your very presence was above and beyond what we were able to give you. You made our hearts stretch and grow, you challenged our generosity, loved unconditionally, forgave instantly, infused joy into every circumstance despite how difficult it was. You, Judah David, are such a gift to us and to the world. Thank you!

"This is totally not as fun as you told me it'd be, mama!"

A perfect new toy from Grandad and Lolli!

Eyes of love for Lolli

There are so many things I want to remember about you this year. I just can't get enough of your beautiful little self - your incredible facial expressions, the way you start dancing anytime music hits your ears, how you absolutely adore your big sister, your ravenous appetite, the way you curl up close to us when you are sleeping and don't let go, and your intense need to hold onto anything that looks like a stick.

"What in heavens name is happening here?" 

"Oh, this is what all that hubbub was about...ok, very worth it!"

You are, in every way, so loveable and so loved. Thank you, dearest son, for everything that you are. We are so excited to see the ways in which you grow this year! You can already, among other things, say mama, dada, Liliana, and alleluia (who would have thought!). You are so very close to walking, and you stand at the window several times each day screeching to be let loose outside. You absolutely love putting straws in lids, caps on containers, blocks on top of each other. You are such a joy, Judah, we love you so much!

We are humbled and grateful that we have been entrusted the gift of beautiful little you to teach, protect, and guide towards heaven. Happy Birthday, Critter.

Love always Mama, Daddy, and Liliana