52 Weeks

Dear Sawyer,

You are one.  

I promise not to be that mother that gives your age in weeks now that you are a year old. 

But, I will still hug and kiss you in public.  I'll try to be cool in front of your friends.

I promise to let you try new things now that you are a year old. 

But, I will always try to protect you from the dangers of the world. No, we still don't eat paper or dog food. 

I promise to let you walk one step ahead of me now that you are a year old.

But, I will be right there, one step behind, waiting to catch you if you fall. And, when you do fall, sweet boy, I will help you to know that pain is temporary but my love is forever. And so is His. Then, I will smother you with tickles and I will try to make you forget. 

I promise to let you explore independence now that you are a year old. 

But, I will still rock you to sleep and stand quietly by your crib.  There will be times, I'm sure, where I will still tiptoe into your room and watch your back rise and fall with your breath. 

I promise to sing with you daily, read to you nightly, and pray for you every second of every day. 

But, above all else, my precious child, I hope you know that He promises to hear your every need.  He will know, even before I do, what your heart desires.  And, when this world fails you, He never will.  

I promise I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always.  As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be. 

Love,
Mommy

Deuteronomy 31:6

"Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."

Is That You, Santa Claus?

Sawyer must have been extra good this year, because Christmas did not disappoint!

We started the festivities at Great Grandmother Mimi's house with appetizers and presents.  I love going to GG Mimi's because she always read the Christmas story from the bible.  This year, Sawyer had the privilege of placing baby Jesus in the manager.  It's a special tradition!

We left GG Mimi's to go to Uncle Kim and Aunt Beth's house for some more delicious, calorie-laden food and presents.  My side of the family is not very big, so I treasure our family gatherings.  Sawyer was spoiled rotten at both places, and I think he enjoyed the wrapping paper more than anything.

We were nestled in bed that evening when Santa stopped by.  We didn't leave milk and cookies this year, but jolly St. Nick didn't seem to mind.  He left Sawyer a big truck to ride in outside, a train track, toy trucks, clothes, and plenty of books!

I think I was more excited than Sawyer to see what Santa had left! He went straight for the truck and did a little dance.  Daddy has had fun pushing him around and around and around the living room.

Later that day, we headed to Mimi and P-Paw's house.  My mom has always cooked Christmas dinner, but next year I'll be taking over the tradition.  Mimi loves houseshoes and is always wearing hers, so she bought Sawyer a pair of his own. 

The day after Christmas, we hauled our last load of presents to Gigi and PawPaw's house for more Clower shenanigans.  Leighton loved helping Saw with his presents this year, and Sawyer loves any chance to eat Leighton's hair! Sawyer's loot included an activity table, blocks, a big dump truck, and a saw named Sawyer!

To say that our little guy is well loved is an understatement!

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

James 1:17