ONEderfully One!

Jon David,
Yesterday you turned ONE! It is a day I have been dreading, but it wasn't sad at all. You had the best day. We spent the morning playing, you took two great naps, family came over to celebrate a birthday dinner with you, your grandaddy showed us the video he made for your first birthday party, you got some sweet books from your Aunt Wendi, Uncle Art and your cousins, and to top it off you had your first ice cream. Blue Bell Bannana Split to be exact. Mommy didn't cry one time. I had a wonderful day celebrating you, the gift God blessed me with!
What a year it as been. We have learned so much together and are still learning new things everyday. I remember the night I had you I couldn't really see you for an hour my eyes were so full of happy tears. I remember everyone who came to see you said you were perfect, and it was the sweetest sound to my ears. I remember bringing you home nervously, hoping I would do everything right. I remember the first several months trying to get you on a schedule and how happy I was when you slept through the night. I remember going through a rough patch and finally realizing you were just plain hungry. Praise the Lord for rice cereal! I remember how you became happier each time you became more mobile. I remember each of your "first" and how proud I would be of you...smiling, rolling over, sitting up, feeding yourself, pulling up, learning how to play with your toys. I remember each of your new tricks...blowing bubbles, waving bye bye, shaking your head, signing please, playing peek-a-boo and patty cake, giving mommy kisses. I remember each of your first holidays and each of our outings from walks, to parks, to doctor visits, to trips to Alabama. I remember each night giving you your nightly bottle knowing the days are ticking down until you don't need it anymore. Most of all I remember (and can never forget) how full my heart feels when I look at you and know you are mine. I cannot thank the Lord enough for entrusting you to us. You have brought us a year of joy, happiness, and laughter. I cannot wait to see how you grow and how the Lord will use you.

I love you,

Mommy