Happy Birthday James!

Our Sweet James,

How is it possible that two years have already come and gone since the day that we first held you in our arms, our lives forever changed for the better? We’ve already been given two whole years with you, and yet I don’t think there will ever be enough days or enough years to enjoy you enough or express the depth of our love for you. In the early days of your life sometimes we felt so lost and uncertain about the decisions that we were making, but as we began to look to you and listen to your little (but powerful) voice you showed us exactly what you truly needed. You learned to trust, first, in the arms of your Mama and Daddy and although at times it felt like you slept more in our arms than anywhere else, I know that we’ll never regret one second of those moments when we look back on those long, sleepless days (and nights) with you.

In two years time you’ve grown from a seven-pound little wonder into a curious, energetic toddler that continually amazes us each day. Every new milestone is a cause for celebration and each new stage quickly becomes our new favorite with you. Your first smile, your first laugh, your first time rolling over, your first steps, your first words, your first prayer – we are always your biggest fans with each new discovery and each new adventure (and we always will be!). We want you to know that your birth helped us to understand more clearly than ever before how God loves His children. It’s not about being good enough or nice enough or doing enough good things – God loves you simply because you’re His. Don’t ever forget that you don’t have to do anything to receive our love, sweet boy. We love you because you are ours, and nothing could ever change that.

As the days of your life continue to unfold, we get a tiny glimpse of the person (and the man) you are becoming and will be. You are shy, reserved, and hesitant in unfamiliar or new situations. You are persistent, strong-willed, and you never forget a thing. You are smart and so curious about the world around you. You are so active and energetic and hardly ever sit still for very long (even to eat!). You are clever and funny and friendly. You are also sweet and tender, and we’ve enjoyed some of the most special times with you in our laps reading and rocking and singing. Some days the parts of your personality that challenge us the most, are also the very things that we love about you with all of our hearts. We know that God will use the unique things about you and the exact person that He has made you to do such great things in this world.

Happy Second Birthday, James! Your life is a testimony to the greatness of our God. You are a unique and wonderful creation, and you are our good and perfect gift from above. You could not be more loved or more wanted. You are our greatest privilege and our greatest joy. We love you forever!

Love, 

Mama and Daddy

And more pictures of his birthday fun to come... :) But we have a little more celebrating to do first!