My ONE Year Old

"Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness stretches to the sky. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountain, your justice is like the ocean deep." Psalm 36:5-6

I feel this is a true verse regarding this past year. You never know love like you know it with a child. Not without trials, not without pain, not without questions. Still, you experience a day to day joy like you never have before. You begin to see less of yourself and think more of how you will provide and serve for this other tiny person. I often am reminded that if only I would pour that kind of love into my Father, how much deeper we would grow together. Children are definitely a symbol and parallel to Christ's love and sacrifice on earth. More of you. Less of me. The night before Tristan's birthday, I was driving home alone, I was recalling the feelings I had the day I gave birth to him. The newness, the elation and the unknown of who he was. I could actually conjour up the same emotions I had! Is that not so strange? I imagine I will always be able to do so just as I am sure my mother does when she remembers my birthday. What a gift.

Dear Tristan,
My funny Valentine. My little bundle of energy. I remember the night I went into labor with you, telling your dad that I would be so disappointed if I had you on Valentine's Day. I thought it was a cheesy day. Any day but Valentine's Day. Yet, true to form (though I did not know it then), you came 3 weeks early on a cold Valentine's morning! Ready to face the world! You cautiously looked around the room intently staring. Not sound asleep like a newborn usually is...you were ready to see and experience! Now, we adore Valentine's Day.

This past year I have watched you change. You were and are a beautiful child, no doubt. Your eyes have been captivating from the start as well as your smile. You were such a beautiful baby. Now, you are a beautiful toddler! You also have a personality to go with your looks! It would be an understatement to say you are independent. Boy, I got what I prayed for! I pray you will use this in the years to come. Know yourself and make sound decisions. I know this independent spirit will often bring tears and frustration to both of us, but it will also bring forth a man after God's heart, I believe. I have no doubt there is a huge calling on your life, Tristan! I pray you are a leader and example just as your father is.

Each milestone you hit made you a more cheerful guy. You were determined to get your way, and buddy, you stuck to your guns! I truly believe you hated being a little baby just sitting in one position. You wanted to be taken out into the world to experience it. To meet people and make them smile! I learned a lot from you and your temperament and it has made me a better mom. I am much more patient, less anxious and more decisive than I have ever been. I really have to thank you for that...you gave me challenges and I accepted. We have such a special relationship and understanding with one another!

I love your passion! You have passion like I have never seen--except in your father, which is where I am certain you got it! Wow. Your passion is in everything from talking, throwing a ball, taking a bath all the way down to not wanting to take a nap (where you seem to have the most passion)! I pray you will use this passion in a wonderful capacity. Seek God for where he would have you go. "Draw close to God and He will draw close to you. " James 4:8. Your heart is so big! I love the way you draw people in and make them interested! I love the way you are such goofball! I pray those qualities grow and grow to your advantage...they will make you a true and loyal friend.

In closing, I just want you to know I love you. You light up my life. You bring me such joy. You have made me different. You have brought me closer to your dad and closer to the Lord. I am thankful for you. You are a gift with many gifts. I pray for you always and no matter what ever happens, this time is a special time and you have made it a blessing beyond measure. Happy Birthday, Tristan Michael. Happy Birthday.

Love,
Mommy