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Happy Birthday Little Bit!!!

You are a treasure. An absolute gift from God. I cannot fathom life without you. I still vividly remember our shock and delight when we found out you were on the way. You should know your sister prayed and prayed that God would give us you. She prayed specifically, that you would be a girl. And she has loved you deeply from the day we told her you were growing inside me. She has smothered you with love and kisses from the moment she learned of God knitting you together. She loves you so much.

And oh the joy you bring to our family. You are so easy going. You have a ready smile. As soon as Sister and Little Man hear you cooing in your crib, it's a mad dash to see who can get to you first. Sometimes they scare me with their intense love for you.

Sister loves to tote you around and she loves to "babysit" you. She reads to you and picks out your clothes and fixes your hair. She gives you gifts on a daily basis. Yurtle the paper plate turtle might be your favorite. Every time I am holding you and you spot your brother or sister, you shout, "uh-huh-huh-huh-huh" and kick your legs with glee.

Little Man protects you from "de bad gu-whys" and teaches you all about his wooden guns.

Watching your daddy with you melts my heart. You hold a special place in his.

You are pure and simply, a joy. I am so thankful God gave us you.

It is my prayer and my hope that you will come to know Jesus while you are still a young girl - that you will not remember a day when you did not love Him. I pray that even now, He is working in your heart, that you may in time, come to a full understanding of the depth of His love for His children, and that you will unreservedly give your heart and your life to Him. He is our only hope, sweet girl. And He is the only One who will never let you down. He is good and I want you to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

You are a good and precious gift from above. You have made our lives so much richer and fuller. You have multiplied love. We love you and we thank God for this wonderful first year with you. Happy Birthday precious baby girl!

Saturday some of the fam gathered at Bobo's to celebrate this wonderful occasion.

What a precious time it was. Little Man settled in Grandpa's lap to hear his stories about fighting in Iwo Jima. (I think it was the only time your bro was quiet all day.)

Bobo and Aunt K made a yummy appetizer.

Aunt K's birthday banner (thank you, K!) graced the sideboard, which was laden with gifts for you and Sister, and a few for Little Man.

You were the quintessential first birthday girl and, as always, you charmed everyone with your sweet smile.

You're pulling up on everything and will be taking your first steps in no time.

Grandpa joined you on the floor for a little exploration. He crawled at your side for some time. He thinks you're something special. We all do.

We had two cakes...one for you and sister - and you grabbed at the flames and didn't know what to do...

and one just for you. Little Man blew out your candle immediately. Way to help out big bro!

At first you barely touched the sprinkles. Then a bit of icing made its way to your mouth.

With a little help from your adoring siblings...

you mutilated that cake!

Sister got some cool shades...

as did Brother.

And you got some fun toys!

You wowed us all with your cruising abilities!

As well as your riding abilities.

And at the end of your par-tay, Sister grabbed the tulle that had graced your high chair and decorated Grandma, the bride, for an impromptu wedding. How appropriate since the bride and groom have only been married roughly 60 years. (smile)

Well Little Bit, it was a grand event! You are one special girl and you are loved much!

Happy first birthday!!!