Happy Birthday, Our Sweet, Little Boy...

There are more things I want to say in a future post, but I couldn't let this day go by without documenting this day.  Many of you know that Henry just didn't want to make his appearance into this world and a year ago today was full of 23 hours of labor and anxious waiting.  But then we got to hear your cries and see your precious face and all that waiting was worth it.

You have brought us more joy than we could have ever asked and we can't imagine life without you.  You've made us laugh, cry and smile more times that we could count this year.  You make our hearts ache when you fall down and hurt yourself or when you cling to us as we drop you off at the nursery. 

You've taught us to be more like Jesus - to seek other's needs before our own, to love with unconditional love, to see a bigger picture and not get so wrapped up in the small things in life, and to have more of a servant's heart. 

  

We've loved watching you grow...

And seeing you explore and discover the world around you.   

You are SO curious about practically everything, desperately wanting to touch, shake, and experience things for yourself.  It's going to be hard for us to LET you go, knowing you are ultimately the Lord's, and experience the harsh realities of life.  Despite what you face, we are praying daily for your heart to love Him and that you'll serve him all the days of your life. 

Still can't believe a year has gone by and we can't WAIT to see what is in store for this NEXT year.  :)  Really looking forward to seeing more of your personality develop and seeing more of who you are going to be. 

So to quote of your favorite books...

"So here's to a child who is joyful and clever!   Happy day, happy year, happy always and ever." 

We love you, Henry Peter Von Tobel!

Fun in the Pool with Cousin Mia

Take one, two and three...

An Afternoon at the Beach...

More pictures of our time at the beach with the Von Tobel's...

Time with Von Tobel Family

Peter's parents were out of town the first half of the time I was at their lake house, so I stayed around to spend some time with them when they came back. Henry warmed up to them quickly and loved hanging out with them. My brother and sister-in-law and nieces were able to come for the weekend as well and I got to meet my niece, Summer for the first time. :) Summer is the miracle baby in our family...for my sister-in-law had a risky pregnancy and the Lord had his hand on her the entire 9 months. You can read all about the experience HERE.

We had fun in the sun and lots of good conversation.   Jenni (my sister-in-law) and I got to catch up share about the things happening in our lives. I'm so lucky to have 2 amazing sister-in-laws...we don't get to see each other or talk to each other as often as I would like, but when we DO, we are able to pick up right where we leave off.

We really missed Peter - it wasn't the same without him. It felt a little strange to be spending time with HIS family without him...so thankful that he let us stay and spend the time with them. :)

                                           These are two of Henry's cousins - Mia and Summer

And it just takes so many tries to get everyone to look...  :) 

Had to keep Henry out of the dog food...he may or may not have put a couple in his mouth before I could stop him. 

Fun in the Pool...

We had a play date with "Bethesda" moms yesterday at the pool.  I taught at Bethesda Elementary for three years in Durham, NC.  A few of us have since had babies and are staying at home with our little ones instead of teaching.  It's been good to have other moms to spend time with AND to have our kiddos play together.  :)

 

Henry didn't know what to think of little Grace.  Apparently still a little girl-shy...which is okay with me!  :)

And then he didn't feel like posing for a picture...had to bring out the keys for bribery. 

An Early Birthday...

Henry is turning ONE on Sunday and because we weren't going to be together for his actual birthday, we had a little birthday celebration with my family while we were together.  Henry got to try a cupcake for the first time and had fun opening presents.  He didn't really know what was going on and it was funny to see him take it all in.  :)