Hannah-banana

Our sweet, sweet girl turned one!

Hannah,

You laughed. 

You smiled. 

You played. 

You smashed. 

You continue to amaze me with your eye contact and curiosity. 

Your subtle ways of getting your opinion across. 

The way you light up the room just by entering. 

Your smile. 

Something that will always put me in a better mood or change my perspective on any situation. 

Today it was fun to celebrate you. 

To thank God for you. 

To look back and be encouraged by all we've seen you do this year.

Rolling over, using your left hand, babbling, eating solids, sitting up, shaking your head, connecting with our hearts. 

Hannah,

This first year of your life has been rough at times, not always fun and stained with grief. You have caused me to pray more, seek more, hope more and cherish life more. You have helped me notice others and realize that I really don't know what another person is going through. A kind word or a door held might be the nicest gesture they've received that day. 

You've given me strength to speak up, question doctors and learn from therapists all for the sake of helping you improve. I've learned to rejoice over small improvements and see these things as proof that the Lord hears and is helping you. 

You've caused me to walk slower. To not hurry through my day, but take the time to sit and rock you to sleep if that's what you need. 

Sweet girl, I know I have a long way to go to be the mama who is a pro at all that life throws at you, but I will willingly stand up for you and learn new things for your sake. I know God is making you into the daughter He wants you to be and I must hold you with an open hand as I participate on your journey. 

Dear one, I wish things were different and life wasn't so hard, but this is what we must endure until Christ takes us to Heaven. There He will make all things new, including your body, but we must wait. Thank you for being an example of patience. 

I look forward to what the Lord has planned for year 2!

With all my heart,

Mama

Here's a video in celebration of Hannah's 1st year!

Thank you to all of you who pray for Hannah and our family.  

We know those prayers have held us this year and will continue to encourage us in the next.