a year ago today...

i can't believe how quickly a year has passed. there are things in life that we wish away, things about which the only positive, the only thing that keeps us going is knowing that it is going to end; and then there are things that we wish we could pause, that we would give anything to stop time for just so we can enjoy them a little bit longer. and i mean enjoy them just the way they are; savor each moment, and yet as each moment comes you think that it is infinitely more amazing than the last and you are sure that there is nothing that can top the one you are currently in...


happy birthday sweet bailey!

before i go any further, i have to confess that i did not, no way, not even a little bit-want to have a girl (piper of course, did). i come from a family of three boys and i thought for sure that the trend would continue in my own, however, i have come to realize that there were too many people praying against me-my wife, for one. i came to find out too that there were tons of my youth, tons of our friends, and even some of our family that was praying for a girl for us...a sneak attack for sure.

i can say now that i cannot imagine my life without this precious little girl in it. she has captured my heart, for sure. in fact, i am a bit frightened about being faced with having to tell her 'no' as she gets older, because it is going to be a terribly difficult thing to do. she is such a special part of this family. we are blessed to have one of the happiest, and most adorable little ones that anyone could ask for. she lights up any room she happens to be in (which is all of them now because is crawling like crazy); her brothers adore her, and piper and i can't get enough of her.

happy birthday bailey. we cannot imagine this family without you being a part of it. i pray daily for your sweet heart, i pray that we are doing the best we can in loving you, nurturing you, teaching you, and raising you up in the understanding of who your jesus is. we love you sweet girl!