Happy 1st Birthday Rylee Joy!
One year ago, our family received the most precious little gift, and Ryder received (in his words), "The best birthday present EVER!"
To celebrate this SWEET first year of life, we went to Gramma and Gramps house...
Even our girl opened her own presents...
LOVED giving kisses to her new baby :)
Ryder checking out HIS new present :)
Our family is so sweet...even Cora and Cole got presents so they wouldn't feel left out :)
The birthday buddies :)
So precious...
Ryder took care of both candles this year :)
But Rylee handled her cupcake just fine by herself!
Dear Rylee,
Daddy and I are overwhelmed DAILY with how precious and sweet your spirit is. You love to cuddle in bed with us every morning and everyday Daddy looks at you and says, "Are you going to live with us forever?" I think secretly, he hopes the answer is YES! We love the way you giggle every time one of your brothers or sisters comes your way ready to tickle or play with you. You are smaller than all your siblings were at one year old, but you LOVE to eat! You eat everything we do, just in smaller bites :) Your 4 teeth are helping you do that. You just started saying "Hi!, Bye! All done... and More please! using your cute little voice and signs that go with them.
More than all the developmental milestones you could reach though, I am most amazed at the way God has given us another little life so unique from your brothers and sister. You are wonderfully made, sweet one. Your round hazel eyes say so much in the way they are so peaceful yet bursting with life and joy..."I am made in the image of God!"
This is exactly what God has shown me this last year you've been alive...and mine.
That He is wise beyond our understanding.
That He is perfect in every way.
That I am nothing without Him.
And with Him ALL things are possible.
That He is a God who wants us to know He is always at work.
He lets us feel overwhelmed so that we learn that He is all we need.
We can't do it on our own.
We are not smart enough or strong enough to do the will of God in our own strength.
Pride is the enemy's counterfeit way of convincing us we're worth something.
Humility is the result of recognizing that our value comes from HIM.
Jesus' death means we can be in communion with the One in whom all freedom, goodness, peace, joy, and contentment are found.
Many days since you've been born, dear one...I've prayed this prayer...
Oh Lord...I need you.
I can't do this on my own.
May there be evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in my life because of my FULL dependency on You.
You say you'll bring
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
ALL of these things I need to be as a mother.
ALL these things I want to be true of my kids.
With your transforming Spirit at work in us all it is possible.
For your kingdom and for your glory.
So my sweet Rylee...
Thank you for being the reason I pursue the One who Saves even more today than ever.
Happy Birthday, my Dear One :)
