Well, Lainey, we celebrated your first birthday at the beginning of this month. Because you were sick, we kept it short and sweet celebrating with family, chowing down on pasta and pizza.
...
One day I hope you truly understand what a miracle you are. Let me tell you about some of this past year's events... look and see how God is using you already in our world and how special you are.
One day I hope you truly understand what a miracle you are. Let me tell you about some of this past year's events... look and see how God is using you already in our world and how special you are.
...
In the first weeks of your arrival here, you caught a life-threatening respiratory infection. Little girl, what a little fighter you proved yourself to be even as a newborn. You know we see that fight in you today as you try to wiggle free from your big sister... or when you are refusing to eat and passionately throwing (or blowing) the food across the room as some kind of statement... or screaming as loud as you can to let everyone know you are unhappy with whatever situation you find yourself in...and it makes me smile inside. The strong will you are now showing us is the will that kept you breathing through the long, scary nights in the hospital. I don't know why I find it so amazing that the first time you gave us an intentional smile was when you were in the hospital. Your name, Alaina, means "bearer of light". Anyone who knows you can bear witness to that! You're so very special.
In the first weeks of your arrival here, you caught a life-threatening respiratory infection. Little girl, what a little fighter you proved yourself to be even as a newborn. You know we see that fight in you today as you try to wiggle free from your big sister... or when you are refusing to eat and passionately throwing (or blowing) the food across the room as some kind of statement... or screaming as loud as you can to let everyone know you are unhappy with whatever situation you find yourself in...and it makes me smile inside. The strong will you are now showing us is the will that kept you breathing through the long, scary nights in the hospital. I don't know why I find it so amazing that the first time you gave us an intentional smile was when you were in the hospital. Your name, Alaina, means "bearer of light". Anyone who knows you can bear witness to that! You're so very special.
...
This year has been marked by so much transition for our family and so many huge life lessons.
The Lord proved himself so faithful and that He loves us beyond what our simple minds can imagine. He showed us early on in your life how intricately involved He is in our day-to-day living as we were overwhelmed by love and support from so many people while you were in the hospital. Everything from food to caring for Natalie, He loved on us through so many people in our world.
This year has been marked by so much transition for our family and so many huge life lessons.
The Lord proved himself so faithful and that He loves us beyond what our simple minds can imagine. He showed us early on in your life how intricately involved He is in our day-to-day living as we were overwhelmed by love and support from so many people while you were in the hospital. Everything from food to caring for Natalie, He loved on us through so many people in our world.
...
The creator of everything and He's loving on us... not everyone can see that so easily and it's because of you we had that opportunity.
...
Since your arrival, the Lord has taught us this past year how intentional He is with the children He sends to us to care for. There is a great eternal purpose to the hardships of parenting that each child brings to the table (believe it or not).
...
He helped me realize that in such a sweet way one day when I was in the shower... a tennis analogy (I grew up in a tennis family) to demonstrate how kids are designed specifically with their parents in mind: to work that backhand (my weak side) over and over in order to make us strong. THAT'S why he didn't give me a child like "so and so". Another's child couldn't work out my kinks quite like mine do.
...
Thank you Jesus for that simple picture. Now I can wrap my little brain around that. And never again will I think "She just THINKS she has it hard with her kid!" The Lord is working her backhand (whomever she may be) the same way He's working mine and I so appreciate His gentle correction. And not that YOU are necessarily hard, I'm just referring to the difficult seasons we go through as parents with each of our kiddos...and that's my disclaimer:)
...
There are so many reasons you, Little Lainey, were selected for our family. You and Natalie are both such a powerful display of God's love, faithfulness and presence in Mommy and Daddy's life. We are finding ourselves in Him, our roots are going deep. We wouldn't have this experience if we weren't your parents.
There are so many reasons you, Little Lainey, were selected for our family. You and Natalie are both such a powerful display of God's love, faithfulness and presence in Mommy and Daddy's life. We are finding ourselves in Him, our roots are going deep. We wouldn't have this experience if we weren't your parents.
...
I pray that one day if you ever question your value or significance in this life, you will be pointed back to the time when God breathed into your little lungs and chose LIFE for you...that means purpose baby, great purpose.
Happy Birthday Lainey Bug.
We love, love, love you!
We love, love, love you!
