My Dear Juliet

My Dear Juliet,

How is it that you are 1?

This year went much too quickly for me.  As difficult as our time in Houston was, I would return in a heartbeat if it meant I could experience your birth....  and your first few months....  all over again. You were the most precious part of our year, and I want so badly to relive it again with you.

I've dreamed of you for as long as I can remember.  Since before I knew about love...about boys...since before I could drive....   since before I met your Daddy....  way before we began to create our happily ever after.

You were always a part of my dream.

I wanted to be your Mommy before I even knew about the rest of it.

But you've exceeded everything I thought I knew to be true.

You're sweeter, more beautiful, full of more joy and love than I could have ever imagined.

Though you are our baby, you're such a big girl in many ways.  You're smart, independent....

....but very shy and reserved.

You are dainty and delicate, sensitive and full of personality.

For my memory.....at one years old, you walk, you wave bye-bye, play peek-a-boo, blow kisses, hug your babies, dance to the Mickey Mouse song, do the motions for "If You're Happy and You Know It," "The Wheels On the Bus," "splash splash, " and so much more.  You say momma, dada, night night, uh-oh, that, and you make the sounds for a cow, an elephant and a doggie.  You love your Mini Melissa shoes, bracelets, your blanket, books (especially bath books), tea cups and spoons, the basement, the wagon, riding toys, our bed.. 

..and if you had it your way.....  you would have your Mommy hold you from sun up to sun down.  You want to be near me.

Until bedtime.

At bedtime, since giving up your bottle, you want to skip your bedtime routine and go straight to your crib.  And Mommy wants nothing more than to rock you.

I sometimes sneak back into your nursery long after you've fallen asleep, to rock and snuggle you for a bit.  It's my desperate attempt at savoring these last moments of babyhood with you.

Knowing that you've finished this first year is emotional and big for me.

But thankfully, living this dream of being your Mommy is even bigger.

Oh Juliet....  how I pray that this life is a beautiful one for you.

I pray that you're happy, healthy, and that you achieve any dream you set out to reach. 

I can't wait for you to one day sit next to me and tell

 me of your heart's desires.  And I can't wait to tell you of mine.  Of how my dreams came true....  when I first held you.  I pray you one day know how very much I love you.

 But more importantly, I pray that you know and love Jesus with all of your heart.  That you feel His love, His peace....  His joy...and that every day, you seek to know Him more and more.  Since before you were born, I've prayed for you to have Godly friends ...a Godly husband... and for you to be surrounded with people that point you toward Him. 

It's still what I pray.  

No matter your birthday or age....for you to have a heart for the Lord, for Him to consume your every dream and desire....will always be my prayer for you.

Happy Birthday my dear Juliet!

 I love you so very much.

-Mommy