Happy 1st Birthday Eli!

Eli,

You are one year old today! Your first year of life has been everything that we could have ever dreamed of. You are our precious son, gift, and miracle sent from the Lord. We are so very thankful that we were chosen to be your parents.

Your personality is one of a kind, and your smile will light up any room. You love to cuddle and rock when you’re sleepy. You are always eager to learn something new, and once you do, you never forget it. You love the sound of your own voice, whether it be through singing, shouting, or talking. You learned to walk before we expected, and shortly after decided that running was even better. You are fun, energetic, and keep us laughing all of the time. You love to be around other people, and you've never once cried when we left you with someone else. You are strong-willed, independent, and a momma’s boy. You are mesmerized by details, and love to study things. You’re starting to talk A LOT, and like to copy everything that we do. You are trying harder to say different words, even though they all sound a lot like ‘dada.’ You would be lost without your sidekick Bailey, and she still makes you laugh every single day.

We pray that you will always have this zest for life, and will always have reason to wake up with a smile on your face. Most and foremost, we pray that you will grow up with a deep relationship with your Lord and Savior. We pray that you will always desire to be more like HIM. That your actions and words will bring honor and glory to HIM. And that you will be a Godly example to all that you come in contact with.

We love you so very much! We look forward to watching you grow up, though we pray that it won’t happen too fast!

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
Psalm 139: 13-16
I couldn't resist using all pictures from his first few weeks of life. What precious memories this little boy has brought us!