Happy Birthday, Evy Katie!

Happy Birthday to the best thing that ever happened to us; the happiest little person we've ever known; the biggest blessing in our lives; the most wonderful experience; the little person that's made our hearts so full of joy we can't contain it: Evy Kate!

One year ago, as I was in labor with you, nothing could've prepared me for the complete and abandoned joy I would feel as a parent. Bonding comes at different times for different parents. For me, it was when I held you for the first time. The world stopped and time stood still. From that moment, being separated from you was like a piece of me was missing. You stayed next to me in the hospital because I couldn't bear to be away from you. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Those early weeks were long, but the happiness more than made up for it. Someone told me recently, "The first six weeks feel like a year, and the rest of that first year feels like six weeks." How true! Once we got our bearings, got a plan together, and really started reading your likes/dislikes, we got over the first hurdle of six weeks. We felt that we had really accomplished something!

I really feel like I hit my stride with you when you were about 7 months. That was when traveling was no longer stressful, we had settled into a great routine, and I felt like I had been your mom forever. It started to feel like we were in a rhythm.

Now, as I come upon my first anniversary as a mom (wow), I am stunned to even be saying those words. I've just completed year number one. Only the Lord knows how many years I have with you. I don't say those words to be depressing or morbid, but just to keep it in perspective. I want to make every day--every year--count. The first year is spent learning; figuring each other out. It's becoming so much fun, seeing your little personality. I know the years only get more entertaining. I just can't wait to see what you'll do next!

Your Daddy and I believe in generational parenting as opposed to heavy research or trendy parenting. Meaning, we learn from our parents and grandparents about raising children, running a household, etc. and glean their wisdom, rather than allowing these new "experts" tell us how to raise our children. Of course we have a few things that we've read that have helped us along the way, but nothing replaces old fashioned wisdom from other generations. We have been so blessed with the help we've received from our relatives. The biggest challenge this year has been living with no family nearby. It's been incredibly lonely and difficult at times, but it has grown us as parents. We are so blessed to have a godly family that has supported us and taught us this year.

We love you more than you'll ever know. There are not enough words in any language, or paper big enough to write on, or a song pretty enough to express everything you mean to us. You have shaped and molded us into better people. You have taught us about loving God and each other. We are completely humbled to be chosen as your parents.

This year has been nothing but joy. We have been challenged to figure out how parenting is supposed to go, but you've been the perfect little baby to learn on. We can't imagine our lives without you! Words and expressions all seem so trite and cliche. But they're all true.

Being your mom has made me more sensitive, more feeling, more passionate about causes that I believe in. It's all different when you have a child. People love to speculate and say how they will raise children. They have everything planned and mapped out. But you just don't know how beautiful life will be and much the actual baby changes your plans!

Evy Kate, we have spent one year together, and your Daddy and I are speechless before God at His love that He has lavished on us by giving us you. Thank you for teaching us more about life in 12 months than all of our years put together.

Words aren't big enough!

Mommy and Daddy

P.S. This is such a sweet birthday post from Suzanne. I had to share it!