Dear Luke

Dear Luke Terence,

I cannot believe we are here. My baby boy is ONE year old.

One year ago today I was holding you for the first time, admiring your squishy and perfectly plump 8 lb 11 oz body snuggled up on my chest and marveling at the fact that I was now a Mama to two adorable little boys.

One year ago today I was so in love.  I loved you so intensely that it was as if my heart was so full it would burst. I was so very happy to finally have you in my arms. You looked so much like Mama, a Haan boy no doubt. I held you for the first time and admired your big eyes full of wonder. I cried at your brown hair, because for so long I wondered what color it would be and I knew that God made you just the way you were meant to be. I smiled at your arm and shoulder rolls. I kissed your big round cheeks a million times over. I counted your toes and held you tight. You were my baby boy.

12 months ago we brought you home and could not stop thanking God for the sweet gift you were. We felt complete as we watched your big brother discover you, kissed you, and called you "baby gook". We sat in awe of you and could not get enough of you. We snuggled as much as we could while you were still a little babe, cherishing the days and soaking it all in. We moved from Missoula to Billings and started our life as a family of 4.

10 months ago you shared your first big smile and my heart almost melted in sappy happiness. You started to coo and interact with us! You rolled over from tummy to back and you showed off how strong your neck was as you looked all around so alert and loved to take in the world around you.You had the sweetest plump lips and big round cheeks that I could never stop kissing. You were mostly sleeping through the night and soon moved to your own room!

8 months ago you were hamming it up with your big smiles and small chuckles. Your fun loving happy-go- lucky personality started to shine through! You tried cereal for the first time when you decided Mama's milk just wasn't keeping you full enough! You were a big baby boy with the cutest rolls. Your knee rolls with little dimples killed me with cuteness. Your big baby blues kept getting bluer each day.

6 months ago your chubby rolly self started officially sitting up and got to discover the wonders of the holiday season, including enjoying the food and trying your first fruits and veggies. Your big kissable cheeks were almost always a rosy red. You started the back scoot and to our surprise it would get yourself across the room pretty quickly. My favorite was when we found you under the Christmas tree reaching for a Candy Cane!

4 months ago you were rolling both ways and wanted so badly to crawl but couldn't quite figure it out! You started working those fine motor skills by eating puffs and small bites of toast! You learned to clap and we would all cheer right along with you! You started giving the best open mouth kisses which were quite possibly the sweetest kisses ever. You also were loving any and every food you could get your hands on.

2 months ago you were officially on the move!! You started crawling, walking with the push toys, and climbing up the stairs!  You fell numerous times, even walked right off the deck. You were one busy busy boy! A brave one, mama called you. Giving me slight heart attacks with how daring you would be. You were also drinking out of your sippy cup. You completely weaned from mama and the bottles within a month and decided you're just a big boy now. You get into everything and wanted whatever your big brother had.

And now, Mr LT. Now you are a jolly little ONE year old full of gummy (STILL toothless) smiles. You bring everyone around you so much joy. Now you can clap and praise hallelujah. Now you can accurately pat your head and your belly. Now you wave hi and blow kisses like a pro. Now you sign please and more. Now you're so close to walking if you can just get brave enough to take that first step, you'll be off! Now your giggle is contagious. When you smile, you're whole face smiles and your big eyes sparkle. Now your big blue eyes are a dazzling true blue. Now your light brown/dirty blonde very fine hair is finally coming in, but mostly getting thick in back, long behind the ears, and with not too much on top! Now you cruise everywhere crawling or pushing a toy. You are SO close to walking on you're own but crawling is easier! Now you are brave enough to climb on top of picnic tables. My dare devil, you are. Now you still are known for loving to eat and haven't found much of anything you don't like and always surprise us what you're able to eat without ANY teeth. Now you love balls and have a pretty good arm on ya! Now you adore your big brother and have the sweetest friendship with him. Now you are starting to throw your first tantrums when we take something away from you (oh life is so rough as a 1 year old!) Now you are such a charmer with one very contagious smile and loved by everyone!!

My sweet Lukey Boy,
You are nothing short of a complete joy. You've been pretty much a dream baby to have. As long as you were fed and rested you were happy! You are pretty content and loved showing off your smiles. You have brought us so much happiness and laughter. You are so very, very loved. I can't imagine life without you Baby Luke. Thanks for making me a Mama of 2 busy fun boys and making me smile each and every day-- even through the crazy ones! You light up our lives and we are so beyond blessed to have you as our sweet baby boy!

]\

Life Verse

Your daddy and I gave your big brother a life verse and we wanted to share one just for you baby boy. We have prayed for you before you were even born. We prayed for you when we found out we were blessed with another baby on the way. We prayed for you when we found out you were a boy, to be named Luke Terence. We prayed for you when you were in my belly and ready to come any day. We prayed for you when you finally made your appearance. And we continue to pray for you now. We pray that you will become a Godly man who grows up to Love the Lord with all of your heart and serve him faithfully. 

Luke (Bringer of Light) Terence (Named after your Opa Haan)

1Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession that you may declare the praises of HIM who called you out of Darkness into his wonderful LIGHT.

May you always remember HE who brings LIGHT into Darkness. May your bring truth to your name and share the light of GOD to the World around you.

Some other favorite verses and prayers for you.

Remember that God is the One true God.  He alone will shine, protect, and save you.
He will never let you go. And is always there to help you through.
"The Lord is my LIGHT and the One who saves me"
Psalm 27:1

You are made in his perfect image. You're a perfect and special boy in his sight.
"The life of the godly is full of LIGHT and joy"
Proverbs 13:9

My prayer for you is that you would spread God's light around, continue to be a joy to others
 and show the love you've found in HIM.
"Be a light for other people... live so that they will praise your Father in Heaven"
Matthew 5:16.


Happy First Birthday my sweet Luke Terence!!

"The LORD will be your light forever"
Isaiah 60:20

Love you to the Moon and Back.

xoxoxo

~Mama