It's your 1-year birthday today! This is a day of total celebration for me. It's a day I've spent thanking God for you and for how He's already shown His power in your life. I've also spent it thinking about the last year of our lives together, as well as dreaming about the possibilities that lay in front of you in life. You were so calm from the moment you were born. And strong. When you were in the NICU, the nurses were always amazed at how quickly you gained weight, caught on to new things, and overcame pretty significant medical hurdles. Your strength is going to be an amazing gift in your life.

You're my little snuggler. You would rather be on my lap or held more than anything else. I love that about you. Oh, and you said "Da-Da" before anything else...just sayin'. Every morning I leave the house, you scramble over to the door, sit there, wave, and say bye-bye even after you can't see me anymore. You have a such a joy to be just simply be with us. You want to be where we are ALL the time. Don't worry, I'm not complaining. I love it when I'm laying on the floor and you climb all over me, yelling and laughing. I love your long eyelashes. I love how you smile so big with your mouth wide open. I love the little noises you make- your sighs, vibrating your lips, even spitting then laughing!

All of your value is in who you are, not what you do. God has created with so much value and beauty. And He's created you just the way you are...which makes you perfect in His eyes (and mine). You are fearfully and wonderfully made with an incredible purpose for this world. Your potential is beyond what you can imagine. The love He has for you goes beyond your wildest dreams. When you tune into what He thinks of you and what He created you for, you'll set yourself on a course in this life of impact, peace, love, and fulfillment. And that fulfillment can come ONLY in loving Him.

You are so indescribably valuable to God, and to me too. There is absolutely nothing you can do to make me love you more. You already have my heart! And there's absolutely nothing you can do to make me love you less. The joy I find in just watching you play cannot be put into words. You will always have my affection. You will always be an unbelievable joy in my life. I'm amazed I get to live life with you as my daughter! I love you more than you'll ever know!

Love Always,

Daddy.