Our Baby is 1!

Happy 1st Birthday to our sweet baby! He has taught us so much this year but the most important lesson has been to be kinder to others and their life stories. Also, to embrace life and the path God is carving out for you.

It's been a year full of so many emotions and stories and love and laughter. So much of everything all balled up into one little child. We are so thankful for you, Jayden. We are so blessed to have you.

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We were unprepared to spend a few weeks in the NICU at your birth. More unprepared for immediate surgery. Your story is ever inspiring for us. This experience taught me so much about my love for you, my strength, and my faith. Our family pulled together to be with you every step of the way, but so much of your journey is just going to be your journey. There was a lesson in there all on it's own. I would have given anything to take your place but I could not do that. The brain may easily understand that but the heart can have a hard time accepting that.

We survived the NICU and came home certain that you are possibly the strongest of us all. You continue to show us that every day. In your first year, you battled RSV and Croup and you took it all on like a champ. You are the 3rd baby but seem determined to exert yourself as one of the bosses in our household.

Today, you are busy and always on the move. You will pull yourself on anything. You want to walk but your balance isn't quite there yet. You have 5 teeth with another about to cut. You are a great napper but night time has been really rough for you, courtesy of teething and growth spurts.

Your siblings and parents are your world. You show joy in seeing each of us by hollering, kicking, and clapping your hands. You strongly dislike parting ways with us. We only love you more for your attachment to each of us.

Your smile is contagious and one of your favorite things to do. You laugh often and cheer us on in life.

Our constant observer. You are smart and pick up on things quickly, like taking the lid off of a container, and how to turn on toy, and where the shiniest ornament is on the Christmas tree. You are fast as well. We can't turn our backs on you for a second before you are out of the room, exploring something new.

Your birthday actually started about a week early as we had followup appointments for you in the same town you were in the NICU at. We made a vacation out of this. We stayed in a nice hotel, took our kids swimming, caught up with Santa, surprised them with the zoo.

We also took activity bags to donate to the hospital we stayed at. These will hopefully help children pass the time as they wait at appointments, travel, and/or while hanging out in their rooms. We packed the bags with plenty of paper, construction paper, coloring books, and crayons.

I am always amazed at how well our children do with donating items to others. May their hearts always be so giving.

While on our mini-vacation we also threw Jayden a party! Several of our college friends and one of my husband's sisters lives in this area so it was the perfect opportunity to catch up with everyone. We had the best night!

Today, for Jayden's actual birthday, we made the celebration last all day long. Happy Birthday was sung at random throughout the entire day. We had some cake, opened some gifts, and enjoyed our baby immensely. Jayden seemed to know how special this day was as he was extra loving and gave everyone kisses as he cheered on everyone singing to him on repeat.

After returning from our trip, we spent the weekend with my mom. She always makes the time with us extra special and we were so sad to send her back home at the weekends end. 

Payton says it best when she says, "I can't even remember what it was like before Jayders," and Riley added, "playing with Jayden is the best." Both statements are true. We love you so much little one!

Happy Birthday my love! Thank you for choosing us!

May you always laugh and never lose the shine you have on life!