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!