firsts...

A first birthday.  A pretty big deal.  A celebration.  Anticipated, planned, deserved- after all it has been a big year. A very big year. Her first steps shortly after her first Christmas. A Christmas that could not, did not disappoint. She topped the list of physical blessings we counted her first Thanksgiving and was our delight and favorite treat this first Halloween. She will not remember her first vacation to Minnesota but it is etched in our hearts, with the sounds of her first splashing in the backyard swimming pool. Sitting up on her own, teeth popping up here, popping up there, crawling, giggling, one milestone after another. First fireworks that didn't come close to lighting up our world as her little face. Oh, that little face. First Father's Mother's Days. First Easter. First Valentine's Day, filling our hearts with more love than I thought they could handle. 

First granddaughter. 

Welcome into our hearts and our world Thea Lynn. It has been the sweetest year God has allowed us so far. I love you so very much. May you grow to know that this love I have for you, that anyone has for you, beyond pales in comparison to the love of the One who is LOVE. The One who knit and holds you together, this year and those He allows to come. To imagine love greater than how we feel about you sweetheart is unthinkable but the gospel truth. Happy Birthday. For you, for all who love you, including your two three-year-old brothers who would likely have popped that balloon by now...for the glory of God...