It's Nice to be Neece: August 2013

Dear Norah Mae

My sweet baby doll you are 1 year old! I don’t even know how to comprehend how quickly this last year has gone. In this last year you have grown and changed and blossomed so dramatically. I’m not sure how to put into words the way God has used you to transform our family. We are constantly striving to grow in our own faith, that we might pass on to you a legacy. That you might be the next righteous generation. We pray not only that you would come to know God, but that you would love his ways, trusting in His goodness. We pray for opportunities to help you interpret your experiences in a way that makes God real, that you would have your own moments of faith where you see Him come through. We pray that you would be kind, full of mercy, gentle, diligent, convicted, faithful, and compassionate as you grow into a little girl. We hope to paint a vision for your life, a vision where you are carrying out the mission of the Gospel, that all may know and follow Christ. Where you walk with God faithfully, growing in wisdom, that you might help others do the same. Where your true contentment comes not from the ways the world offers happiness, but from faithfully serving your God and fulfilling His purposes in your life. In Him may you find who you are, in Him may you rest your confidence, humbly walking forward, giving all that you have, that you may find all that is worth keeping.

But today, are you just 1. Not quite toddler, not quite baby. You are affectionate, leaning in for kisses, you have a sense of humor, looking for our reactions when you think you are funny, you are cuddly when tired, and an angelic sleeper, hooray! You have nailed saying mama, and even say “mo” while clapping your hands. Although, now mama and more are mixing into “mamo” for things you want. You say dada, and called for his attention and affection. You blow kisses. You sniff when you see flowers or candles. You squeak for ducks and swans. You woof for dogs. You have 7 teeth! You chatter with a PURPOSE! I’m hoping to catch a video of the intensity in your voice and on your face when trying to direct me. It’s like you can’t believe that I can’t understand you, and that the thing you are trying to tell me is of the utmost importance. You are absolutely a delight, and we are so thankful for this first year of parenting you. Love you to the moon and back baby girl!

Pool days at Noni's

We've been spending lots of time at the new park by our house, you LOVE the swings and rides on daddy's shoulders

Your first 4th of July!

Auntie Summer and Uncle Bryan's wedding. It was BEAUTIFUL!

Riding the swan down the aisle. Not thrilled :)

Your birthday morning! Mickey pancakes made by Papa at the beach house in Oxnard.

The 3 of us on your birthday

From the first day of your life, to your first birthday, you have been a treasured gift dear. I'm so thankful that God gave you to us for this season!

Oh my sweet girl

How you have wrapped our hearts around yours. You are so precious. This is an amazing stage to be your mom, you learn new things daily. You point with direction now, telling me which bite you want to eat, which flower you’d like to smell (and then destroy), which thing you want to explore. You’ve learned to say mama, and may have said banana. You motion consistently for "oh man" and "how big are you?" You’ve learned to look for the moon at night. You blew your first kiss to your daddy on Father’s day. You love to stand, pulling up on anything and everything. You scale furniture a bit, but aren’t showing much interest in walking. You are however very interested in communication. You are so aware. Watching what I say, laughing when I laugh. You’ve even developed a fake laugh where you throw your head back and laugh. You giggle when tickled. You LOVE the beach as much as I do, and giggle with delight by the waves. Stranger danger is WAY better, although you still aren’t a favorite in the nursery at church. You’ve really become more interested in other kids, and even have learned to play a bit with them.

Literally, I look at you and my heart aches with contentment. I am so thankful for this role, I am so glad to be your mom. You are more than I ever could have dreamed.