A Birthday Girl

Although this is a little late, I still wanted to post an update about Vera's big birthday. We still can't believe that we are now parenting a little toddler, and it's been so fun and sentimental for us to look back upon the past year! We just can't imagine life without her big belly laugh or loving hugs and kisses. John was feeling especially inspired around Vera's birthday and he wrote her these poems. John did a wonderful job capturing Vera's personality and the essence of our famiy life. We feel so undeniably blessed and undeserving of such a great gift, and Vera keeps us every day in awe of God.

Vera

Let’s explore the world, you and I
peek around walls,
applaud the birds,
and laugh at the hilarity of life

You are delight
a companion who hugs
ten at a time
a whole education in two-toothed smiles

life is there for grabbing you grin
like fistfuls of food
and stuffing your face

Let’s explore the world, you and I
Show me your passion
and I will show patience
Show me imagination
and I will show love

Make me a child
and I will make this sweet time together
count

Daughter (for your first birthday)

I cannot call you mine

Don’t misunderstand
I wish I could say, This is my doing
My spitting image
My girl
It nearly bursts my heart, the pride I feel
When I enter the room and you smile,
Eyes all lit up

But there is too much life in you
Your toes tuck under,
Lungs catch air,
You laugh

It is too great for me, this life that I
hold close, walk with, sit beside

I am too small.

And that is why every little swell of pride
Gives way to praise,
breathless thanks,
and the deep humility of grace

This prayer beside your crib
lightens the lids on our eyes:
May the light of God’s face
shine on you.
I cannot call you mine.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Vera learned to walk a couple of weeks before her big day, so she was successfully hobbling around at her party. She has really been enjoying the fall weather and activities (as have we!) and she liked the few tastes she got of pumpkin pie on her birthday. :) Mom & Dad's birthday present to Vera was to paint a chalkboard wall in the kitchen, on which she loves to scribble... an idea which we stole shamelessly from our dear friends the Truongs!