Happy First Birthday, Wade!

Sweet baby Wade,

I can hardly believe you are 1 year old today. It feels like just yesterday that we brought you home from the hospital, so tiny and fragile. 

And now you are walking and talking and melting our hearts with your sweet personality and adorable smiles!

I love the way you come over to me and Daddy and Max and spontaneously kiss us, clicking your tongue to make the kissing sound.

I love seeing the wheels turning in your little head when we talk to you, and realizing that you understand so much more than I give you credit for.

I love that your hair is still slightly red, even though it will probably turn blonde or brown eventually, and that it is curling a bit at the base of your neck!

I love how you say “night night” and wave whenever you are going to bed.

I love your toothy smile and how your nose and eyes crinkle right up when you are the happiest.

I love how you always want to get in on whatever your big brother is doing.

I love how you wobble as you walk around, and how you try to carry as many toys as you can while you walk!

I love feeding you your bottle and looking into your beautiful eyes.

I love the look of accomplishment on your face after you have climbed up on something really tall and sat down.

I love your contagious laugh and how easy it is to make you do it!

I love how you say “more please” in sign language when you want more of something delicious.

I love how you scramble to get to Daddy when he comes into the room and beg for “up”.

I love how sometimes, after being in the nursery at church, you won't go to anyone else because you just want me.

I could go on and on about all the things I love about you, Wade Mitchell. These are just a few. Whenever I think of you, I smile. You bring me so much joy, my son. You are truly a gift from God to us. 

These words by Keith and Kristyn Getty, which I sing to you most nights, perfectly capture my deepest desire for you at this stage of your life:

I pray your little frame grows strong, 

And that faith takes hold while you are young

This is my prayer for you. 

Hold my hand, I'll teach you the way to go

Through the joys, through the tears, the journey of these years

May you trust Him till the end. 
May you trust Him in the end. 

There is nothing more important in life. May you trust Him in the end.

Happy Birthday, sweet boy.

Love, 

Mummy