Dear Jaden,

Happy birthday baby boy! I can’t believe you are one year old! Where has the time gone? This year has been one of the best years of my life, all because of you.

I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday. That morning, I had no idea how much my life would change. You entered this world faster than we expected, but you were clearly ready and we were ready to meet you.

When you were placed on my chest, I was amazed by you and what I had just experienced. We had waited so long to see you and now here you were. I loved everything about you. After a few moments you opened your eyes and looked right at me. Our eyes met and something changed in me that moment. To this day I still don’t have words to really explain how I felt. But whenever I think about that moment, my heart almost feels like it could burst from being filled with so much love and happiness. Your birthday was such a great day.

You have brought so much love and joy to my world. I love how your face lights up when I see you in the morning. Your smile makes every sacrifice all worth it. I have loved watching you grow and develop over the last 12 months. You’ve surprised us a few times, like when you started snapping your fingers. What 9 month old just learns how to do that? And when you started crawling. You just came home from daycare one day and started crawling and you haven’t stopped moving since.

I love how we play and laugh together. Your laugh is so infectious. I love how independent you try to be. I noticed that quality in you within the first few months of your life (I think you get that from me). You are also so adventurous and curious and I hope you continue to be curious about the world around you.

You’re so happy and joyous (I think you get that from your dad). I love how you have the ability to make other people happy. It seems like everywhere we go you make the place a little brighter. People gravitate towards you and you are always willing to share a smile or a cute little “hi.” I already see the potential you have to make an impact on others around you. I pray that as you grow up your light will continue to shine and that you will continue to bring smiles to the faces of those you encounter.

I pray each day that the Lord will keep you and protect you because I know that your dad and I can only do so much. I hope that we can be good examples for you and guide you towards the Lord. I pray that you will come to know Him as your savior and that His will be done in your life. I know that He has a great plan for you.

I read these words this week in a devotional and this expresses the exact truths I hope you learn and live by:

“God loves you. He pours out extravagant grace to you every single day. God created you in His own image. You are His beloved child and He has incredible plans in store for your future. God wants the very best for you and His vision for your life will always be immeasurably more than you could ever ask, dream or imagine.”

Jaden, I look forward to watching you grow over the years and celebrating many more birthdays! I want you to know that I will always be by your side, cheering you on. And know that no matter how old you get you will always be my baby.

Mama loves you so much!

Photo courtesy of Kelley Jordan Photography