To Beau Elias, on Your 4th Birthday!

Dear Beau,

It's your fourth birthday and what a year this has been for you! In a phrase, this would definitely be a year of change and trials. This year you found out what being a big brother is all about and let me say, you have been such a wonderful brother! You love your sister fiercely and are very protective. You remind everyone that she's your baby sister and you're one to always attempt to calm her when she's upset. I look forward to what the next year holds for you two; I see a wonderful friendship in store.

Three was a tough year as far as discipline goes. We struggled a lot this year and sadly not too many days went by without a spank. I think much of that had to do with learning to have attention shared between you and your sister, an expanding vocabulary, and a wonderful (although challenging) advancing in the understanding of exercising independence. There were some days I think both of us were just glad to make it through, but as we exit you being three, I'm seeing much of what we've been discussing and instilling in you bearing fruit. I hope for the both of us that four is a little better in that area; I think you and I both spent many days sad.

For all the hard discipline there was, there was also such an emergence in your questioning of the world. You're beginning to see the world as being a part of it, and have been curious about everything! I love listening to your ideas and trying my best to answer your questions. You experienced death from someone you knew, Ms. Sandy, and that shook you and made you ask us many questions. Know that your dad and I answered them with what we believe to be truth and also know we NEVER want you to feel you can't ask a question. The Lord has given you a mind to discover and question and challenge and we want to be there to encourage you. We may not always have an answer or have an answer that you're hoping for, but we will always seek with you and will always pray for wisdom with you.

You're such a tender soul! I think I've said this each year, but it's just because if how true it is. You are such a sweet boy. We see you wanting to include others, we see you hurt when there is someone else hurting, and we see you take personal hurts deeply. While sometimes we have to remind you not to take some hurts so personally, in regards to your outlook for other people in this world, I pray your tenderness for their well being will only further your work in The Lord.

You get the Word! You hear a message and you take it to heart. I wish I was like that  in some cases. You encourage and motivate to live out God's message fully and passionately. Hearing your prayers and seeing your response to the message leaves your dad and me occasionally speechless, stunned by your genuine honesty and love for Jesus. Know how much we love that live you hold for Jesus, Beau, and know we will do all in our power to help further encourage that relationship.

You are such a blessing in our lives, Beau. You're a wonderful follower of Jesus, son, and big brother. Last week daddy and I found out we'll be having another baby in January.  I just know this new one will be blessed by you as well. You're funny, smart, loving, honest, and devoted. I just can't say enough about how much I love being your mother.

Happy 4th birthday my Beauster!

Love,
Mom

To Cora Fair, on your first birthday

Dear Cora Fair,

Today is your birthday! So many have told me how fast the second time around goes and it appears that is so true. Your first year of birth flew by and now, looking at you as our one year old, I am amazed at the speed of time. There are so many things I want to remember about you at this age, so I figure here is a great place to write them down.

You are such a jokester! You have such a great time "laughing" until someone else laughs, scrunching your nose up to get a laugh, or just being silly. You enjoy having attention on you, but as a child that came into the world already having to share that, I understand. You're loud, but the kind of loud that is sweet, and just normally wanting to let someone know where you are, or wonder where they might be. You adore pictures, especially of people you know, and will instantly want to go to our refrigerator in the mornings to stare at the pictures on the door.

You are our eater! It's hardly ever a challenge to get you to eat, unless you're sick, and you can be highly motivated by food. Some of your favorite foods are broccoli, green beans, squeezable fruit, Pringles (ha!), and anything chocolate. You are definitely your mom's girl in that area, although in this year we've seen how dairy just does not agree with you, so providing sweets was a challenge, but one we've made work (and work well!).

You adore music. Whether it's a toy you have, a song on the radio, or us singing at home, you get to moving. It's so sweet! Even when you get upset, it seems music is a comfort to you. Your dad and I started singing hymns as a way of comfort with your brother, and have continued to do the same with you. I pray you'll find a love of hymns, as they are so good for the soul and a wonderful way to worship.

You love your family! You love Beau, and quite honestly, he loves you more than I can say! You two have the sweetest relationship and while as you're now getting older and we're starting to have some arguments, at the end of the day, you two are in each other's corner. Your brother protects you and defends you, he thanks God for you, and can't wait to see you when he's been away from you. He reminds you of God's truth (letting your yes be yes, for example) and I just pray you two can be a source of love, encouragement, and strength as you walk your way for The Lord in this life. I think your brother will be such an aide in your spiritual growth, and I pray you'll hear him out when he has truth to speak. Although siblings will have their moments, remember you two share a special bond.

You love your Daddy! You light up when he gets home from work and almost run to the door to meet him. He was your first word and is probably the most often said word. I can't blame you though, he's a wonderful man, and will truly be the first glimpse of how you see how men should treat ladies. Your dad is one that is passionate about a true faith and I think that will cause him to challenge you to discover your faith through your own eyes. I hope you see his intentions are to find a genuine love for The Lord in your own discovery of His word. He is a dad that will love you no matter what, and at any cost. He will fight for you, beside you, and with you. He will pray for you, hope for you, and believe in you. Know that while everyone has a dad, you my love, have a wonderful one. Remember that when you become a teenager. :)

You love your mama and I love this! Quite honestly, I was a little nervous about having a daughter, but seeing you, being with you day in day out, has made me realize what a gift there is in having a daughter. I want you to know that I will love you at all cost, and sadly, that I will al you at times, but that I will always seek forgiveness and seek the Lord's ways. The snuggles and kisses I get from you are so precious to me and I love our time together. You're "the girl" at our house, and I would never want it any other way.

You're a walking (since 10 months), babbling (since 7 months), chewing (teeth came in at ten months; we didn't know if you would gnaw your first cake or what!) little girl that everyone adores. I can't wait to see what this next year holds in store for you.

Happy 1st birthday Cora Fair!

Love,
Mama