Happy Birthday, Evie!!

Today is a big day: my little Evie pea pod turns one! I am amazed at how quickly the time has passed. It fees like just yesterday I was feeling her kick in my belly. And now she is a crawling (trying to walk), babbling, waving, clapping little girl! It all seems too fast, but I am so grateful for each day I get to spend with my precious girls. I have had such mixed emotions about my baby turning one. Above all, I have a heart of gratitude about having a happy, healthy one year old. But I would not be truthful if I said I wasn't just a little sad. I really do not know the best way to convey my emotions, so I just thought I would share with you the letter I wrote her. You may or may not care much about reading it, but it is the most honest reflection of my heart on her birthday. Sorry if it's boring:) **I would like to note that I do know how to space appropriately for paragraphs, but for some reason, the blogsite kept messing up. My apologies.

My sweet Evie,

I can hardly believe it has been a year since I first held you in my arms. The first moment I looked into your tiny face with the cutest little features and dark, spiky hair, I fell in love. I always wanted two little girls, and when you were born, I felt complete. This year has gone by so fast, and I have so enjoyed it. The first few months I was up with you every three hours, and I felt exhausted. But those quiet times at night when I just held you and rocked you back to sleep are some of my most favorite memories. As tired as I was, I loved it and knew it would only be a very short time that you would be so small.
Watching you grow and learn and play everyday brings me so much joy. I loved cheering for you when you pulled up the first time. You were so proud. I loved "showing" you how to crawl. I love cuddling with you and reading stories to you. I love kissing those ADORABLE cheeks. I just can't seem to get enough! I love that we have our special days every Tuesday and Thursday. We drop Lily off, and then go stroll at Target. I usually have nothing to buy, but I just enjoy being with you. We play and eat lunch and usually have just a relaxed, fun day. I always think I should be cleaning or something, but when it comes down to it, the house can wait. I only get you this time with you once.
Evie, there are so many things I want for your life. I cannot wait to see how God uses your already feisty, strong-willed personality. But above all else, I pray that you love God with all your being and follow Him all of your days. I pray that everything I do, everything I teach you, each conversation we have, and even the ways in which I fail all point you to the only One who can change your heart -the One who loves you just as you are but will not leave you that way. It is an honor that He chose me to be your mom to help guide you to Him.
You are such a blessing to me and to this family. I am beyond grateful to be able to stay home with you. Each day is such a treat. No matter the kind of week I've had, I lay my head on my pillow each night, praising God that I got to spend the day doing what I love the most: being your mommy. It is the best job on Earth, and I am forever thankful to have it. You are such a JOY, and I love you so so much! Happy 1st Birthday, my sweet pea pod! I look forward to celebrating many, many more with you! Love, mommy