Happy First Birthday, Seth!!

Momma loves this little guy

Dear Seth,

We celebrated your first birthday this weekend with all of your family and a few friends. More than just a birthday party, we celebrated your life. You’ll never know what a blessing you are to us. If only we’d known how good this year would be, there would have been no doubts, no fears, no worries.

I knew you were special the minute I laid eyes on you, and that was something I’d prayed and asked the Lord for. Nobody had to say a word to me- I announced to everyone in the delivery room that I knew you were special and they all silently nodded. My doctor said you were sent to the right parents for sure. Everyone in the delivery room handled you like a china doll- and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room, but there were a lot of smiles too. All your daddy could say was, “He’s a good boy. He’s a good boy, momma.” The doctors told us you were really strong and a healthy boy. You had a good cry, just like Ella did when she arrived. The next thing I said was that your name would be Seth Joel- which means chosen by God and our doctor said he could think of nothing more fitting. Then I proclaimed the truth- “Blessed be the name of the Lord!” with tears streaming down my face and my chin quivering.

I’ll never forget the feeling I had when the nurse handed you to me, just minutes after you were born. She told me that God had special plans for your life, and she was certainly right. You were wrapped up so warm with a soft little hat on your head- those beautiful blue eyes of yours were wide open, taking everything in. I held you so close and started to talk softly to you- telling you how beautiful you were and how excited we were to finally have you. You cooed right to me- and immediately, I knew we were going to be okay. You see, I fell in love with you in that moment….your daddy did too. I sang to you a little bit, which you were already accustomed to and still love. Then one by one, as we introduced you to your big sister Ella, your Mimi and Poppa, Nanna and Pappy and aunts and uncles, they fell in love with you too.

You are a special boy, Seth. We love you just as much as we love our Ella girl- you are both our favorites. Ella thinks you are pretty special too. She calls you names like, “Baby Joy,” “Seffy-too-tiger” and “Wookey.” She came to pick you up at the hospital when you were born and couldn’t wait to hold you…she still talks about that day. She’s mommy’s big helper and she’s also your helper too, Seth. We’ve talked about how she will always take care of you and teach you new things; sure, you may fuss at each other every now and then, but she loves you so tenderly and always will. I can see how God made you both so differently and how you will help take care of her, too. You help Ella to slow down her pace a little bit- she’s learning to be patient, and can’t wait for you to learn to say her name.

You’ve taught me how to love better. I’m not afraid of things that are “different” like I used to be. I find myself going out of my way to get in line at the grocery store with employees who are special too. I am learning to cherish and appreciate the little things. I am enjoying each day for what it brings more and more. I see beauty in all kinds of faces, shapes, colors and smiles. Your little arrival has softened me. I am more compassionate and quicker to hold my tongue, less inclined to criticize. I love your daddy more because you’re part of him, too. He’s so proud of you, he could just pop sometimes. You’re his first son, Seth…and I know that he wouldn’t trade you for all the boys in the world.

I love your smile and the way your eyes turn into little rainbows when you get excited to see me enter the room. I love to hear you say, “Mama.” I love how you get so tickled when we play “kissie-kissie” and I loved how you wave your arms when you get so excited about anything we’re doing together. I love how you wrap your arms around my neck as tightly as possible and squeeze me with an “Mmmmmm” whenever we hug each other. I loved it the first time you crawled, slowly but steadily, right into my lap because you just wanted to be with me. I love that you need me because, Seth, I need you too.

Seth Joel- chosen by Jehovah God. You are a joy and a love to all who know you. I am so proud of you.

I’ll love you forever- I’ll like you for always- as long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.

Love, Mommy