What an amazing year it has been. It was one year ago today that I was blessed with the most amazing gift the world has ever known...a precious daughter! From the moment you were placed in my arms, my heart was invaded with a new and crazy love. And as the tears flowed down my cheeks when they announced that you were a girl, I knew my life would never be the same.
It was one year ago, just before 1:00 am on September 21, 2011, that I awoke and knew that it was time. After grabbing the necessary supplies, and waiting for Papa to come sleep with our sweet Zack, we were off to the hospital. When we arrived, we were greeted by some of my wonderful co-workers and friends and settled in our room. We were both full of excitement as the anticipation overtook us. I COULD NOT WAIT to meet you and hold you so close. As night passed, and morning arrived, Nana and Grammie came to visit to wait for your arrival as well. We tried to rest but really just laughed and talked about how amazing it was going to be to see your precious face, to hold your tiny hands, and to kiss your sweet cheeks! At around 1:30 in the afternoon, the time came to prepare for your entrance. Your Daddy got all dressed up so he could be the one to 'catch' you as you arrived. And at 1:46, you were here. When I heard the words, "It's a girl", my tears immediately began to fall because I was overwhelmed with joy. It was at that moment that I knew I had a partner in life to do all the fun stuff with...to go shopping, get manicures/pedicures, get our hair done, watch great movies, go out to lunch, coffee, ice cream...the list goes on!
It was truly love at first sight for every person that met you. Even Zack was immediately in love. As he was sitting in the hospital bed holding you, I asked him if he was doing alright and he responded, "Yeah, I just need to snuggle her". And it melted my heart! You were, and are, beautiful in every way. You are the picture of perfection - created in the image of the Almighty God! The Creator of the Universe demonstrated his artistic ability in the masterpiece of you. Every part of you, from the top of your head to your cute little toes was masterfully created by Jesus and is unique to ONLY YOU! Not in my wildest dreams could I have thought up a more perfect daughter - your personality, your laughter, your smiles, your faces - YOU ARE PERFECT and I am an amazingly blessed Momma!
Hallie, there is no way for me to truly capture the essence of who you are - or explain to you in words how much I love you. Never will I have enough pictures or videos of you to cover it all. But you have imprinted millions of memories and snapshots in my heart. I love the way you smile with your whole body and your mouth wide open. I love that you are incredibly determined and focused. I love that you have learned how to stand up for yourself (especially against your brother) and will not back away from what you want. I love your giggles. I love the way that you kiss with your mouth wide open. I love the way you get so excited and splash wildly in the water. I love when your excitement overtakes your tiny body and your legs kick like crazy in the air. I love the excitement in your eyes when you see us (and especially Zack) and your whole face brightens up. You are a wonderful and amazing gift!
So my dear Hallie, on this wonderful day - your 1st Birthday - this is my prayer for you and your life...
Jesus, thank you so much for this gift of life that you have blessed us with. What an amazing honor it is to be her mom. I pray that your grace would pour out over Hallie's life and that your Holy Spirit would invade every part of who she is. I pray that she would know and truly understand that she is amazingly beautiful. She is the picture of perfection created in YOUR image. You created her as an artist creates a masterpiece and looked upon her and said, "It is good!" Jesus, I pray that Hallie would grow to exude confidence and grace. That she would be amazingly strong, courageous, and dignified, yet incredibly gentle and kind. I pray against any outer influence that says that she is not good enough, or that she is lacking in any way. Lord, I pray that all of her worth would be found in you. God, I pray that Hallie would dream big and love deeply. And Jesus, please guard her heart. Set her apart for you and your will. I pray that your love would envelop her and consume her and she would find herself in you. Lord, protect her heart, her mind, and her body. I pray that your protection would follow her all the days of her life. I am so excited for the days ahead and to watch my baby girl grow into a woman that is chasing after your heart. Before I know it, I will be walking her in to preschool or watching her walk down the sidewalk to kindergarten. And I'm sure my tears will flow as I drop her off for her first day of Jr. High...and then High School. And I am so excited to hear her name announced as she walks across the stage to receive a diploma. And see her Daddy walk her down that aisle - glowing with your love as a beautiful bride. Or to watch her hold her baby in her arms for the first time, and gaze into his/her eyes as I know it is at that moment that she may finally get a glimpse into how much I love her. Jesus, thank you for this precious gift! Please give me wisdom to be her mom...To love her every single day of her life, to encourage her always and to be her biggest fan. I pray that you would be apparent in all of my words and all of my actions. Lord, help me to strive to demonstrate your love for Hallie in a tangible way in hopes that it will give her the smallest peak into who you are. Just as her name means "Praise God", all I can do is praise you for this precious life. May Hallie grow into the amazing woman that you have called her to be!
Amen.
"Thank God for this gift, his gift. No language can praise it enough!"
2 Corinthians 9:15
Love,
Mom
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