ONE YEAR OLD!!!

WOW, one year has come and gone! I can't believe it!

I bought the pregnancy test because my cycle was one week late and I had "cried wolf" so many times, I didn't even believe myself when I thought I might be pregnant. If I had actually thought I was pregnant, I first of all would have told Chris, then would have taken the test at home with him waiting outside the door. Instead, I was going to my grandma's house that day after work with my mom and took it in her bathroom. I screamed "it says yes" and before I could even do my pants up (slight exaggeration), my mom and grandma came bursting into the bathroom, my mom instantly cupping her hands and talking to my stomache and my grandma exclaiming "I'm going to be a great-grandma, I'm going to be a great-grandma!" My grandpa was also home, laying in bed because he had just had day surgery. He was yelling from his room "what's going on?" (he's hard of hearing) so we all took his room by storm to tell him the news. Well his reaction was to instantly pray a blessing on the baby within me.

As I'm writing this, it brings tears to my eyes because Ethan is so blessed to have a family that has covered him in so much prayer. What a great start to his life! The other reason this memory draws emotion in me is because this past September my grandma passed away, but she was so in love with Ethan that even when she could barely speak anymore and was in the hospital, I would bring Ethan to her and she'd always smile and manage to say hi to him even if she didn't talk to anyone else that day. Before those rough days, she would say "he's the most beautiful baby in the whole world" every time she saw him. I am thankful beyond words that she got to meet him and that he got to meet her.

Well, that was then, and this is now! My little newborn baby with curled feet and a bald head has grown into a mischevious little boy who makes strangers smile, lights up our lives, and loves to entertain. Adapting to life with a baby was a little rough in the beginning and definitely caused some strain on our relationship, but that only lasted a short time and since then it has brought us together in a way that only someone who has a baby can understand. The love that God gives a parent for their child is indescribable and it's so cool to share that with your spouse. I am thankful beyond words for the incredible blessing Ethan is in our lives and I have thanked God numerous times over because I'm just so overwhelmed that He would bless us with such an incredible gift. It gives me a glimpse of how much God loves us and I'm humbled.

This is getting long, so I'll bring this to a close I promise! We celebrated Ethan's birthday last weekend and I've attached some of the pictures. Thanks to everyone who came and made it so enjoyable. We love you and are thankful to have you in our lives! (and those of you who weren't able to come were greatly missed)