Today is our little man's first birthday. A whole year has passed since the Lord brought this wonderful tiny human into our lives and created this family of 4!! And what an amazing, joyous year it's been!
I went back and read the post I made when Jake was first born. I re-lived those first couple days. The joys of having a new baby, adjusting to having 2 children, the sleepless nights, the busy days... I watched the videos I posted and remembered Rylee being so sweet and excited for a baby brother. I tear up thinking how blessed we are!!
This year has been great. We've certainly have had our tough times adjusting to having 2 kiddos, two-years-old and under - let's be honest, being a mother is HARD and the more children you add to it, the harder you have to work at keeping sane (thank goodness God's only given us children one at a time!) . But God's given us strength when we've needed it most and continued to be faithful, giving us our daily needs. "Give us this day, our daily bread" I say this prayer often. I need to constantly remind myself that I need to rely on God every single day and that He will provide whatever we need for THAT day. How awesome is our God that He gives us what we need, when we need it and designed it so we are reminded to ask and lean on Him each day. Jacob is such a joy and God daily blesses me through him. His big smile, his infectious laugh, his lovable personality. My heart burst with the love and pride I have for him.
Rylee is such a wonderful big sister. When she wakes up in the morning, Jake is the first thing she asks for. When he cries, she gets worried and needs him to be tended to right away. She's even patted his back and said "it's okay Jake Jake. I here. Ry-Ry's here." or she'll tell me that Jake's her best friend. It's the SWEETEST thing. I've been told by other moms who have children close together that although these first years are tough, the children are normally very close relationally and what a joy it is to have them be such good friends. I can already see that happening. I pray that she continues to be that friend to him and they remember that will always have each other. God bless you, sweet girl. He has big plans for your strong will and sweet heart.
Darrin is an amazing father and incredible husband. And it seems with each child that comes, his love and ability to reflect our Father grows even more. He's so patient and gentle with the kids, all while being firm and giving consequences when needed. As a husband, he is loving, caring, patient and comforting. He is certainly the leader and head of our house, while loving me uncondtionally and putting my needs above his own. He is my best friend, my confidant, my teammate. I love him more now than when we first met almost 10 years ago. I love him more now than when we said "I do". And with each child that God has blessed us with, God has also blessed us with more love for each other. Oh the joys that are to come!
I have learnd so much about myself throughout this year. I learned that it's okay to ask for help when you need it. I've learned that saying a quick prayer can have lasting results and that a quiet moment with my Lord can effect my attitude for the entire day. I've learned that children do adapt to boundries given...even when you think they're too young to understand. That it's okay to tell them "I'm only one mommy and I only have to two hands. We need to be patient." I've learned to be patient with my children, with others and with myself. I think the last one is the hardest. I've learned how to juggle a crazy toddler, a screaming baby and still make a meal. I've learned how to eat said meal, while it's still warm. :) I've learned that sometimes you have to get in over your head to find out that you're really not in over your head. It's amazing what you can do when you just try to do it. I've realized that early-morning feedings are a perfect time for prayer and come to not hate them as much. I'm learning to set boundries for myself and to say "no" in order not to feel overwhelmed. It's hard, but I'm getting better. I've learned that relationships are more important than tasks. I'm working on remembering to let go of the pressures of the world and remember our goal in raising our children : to raise God-fearing, passion-filled, loving and independant adults. People who love the Lord and will walk in His way. When we keep this goal as our main focus, the little worries and concerns seem to disappear. How different is our view when we keep our eyes on Him.
Lastly, I'd like to end with some of the words to a song I've come to just love. It's become my prayer for both our children and I've often sung it to Jacob in the wee hours of the morning. When I sing these words, I feel myself begging for our children to listen and remember them. There are so many ugly things of this world, I pray our children will always remember who they are and WHOSE they are.
"Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say"
---The Words I would Say by Sidewalk Prophets
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