John... Johners... John Timothy...JT

We had a simple celebration last week to mark our baby boy's first year. Rode to the park for a picnic, then a lesson at the toy store... "it's more blessed to given than receive" and the big kids picked out two small gifts for their bro. Then for a DQ treat (yes, we have Dairy Queen, isn't that great!?) for the ride home.

This year celebrating a birthday hits differently, hits harder, after loosing our baby niece. It was a mixed celebration, good saddness in this mama and daddy's hearts and also a deep time of thanksgiving and awed wonder at the Lord's blessing to give us this boy. We do not deserve him at all but we sure do love him, sure are grateful.

This sweet lady, a worker at the park, was quite enamored with our birthday boy, but he was not at all so smitten with her hat as she was with him.

fun for everyone at the park...

Loving history like he does, Matt is so happy to live near this ancient monument (ahead of him on the road) and he loves telling folks how crazy old it is....

the Big Goose Pagoda, built around 700 AD- I think.

What we wrote for you near your birth and pray for you still...

"John Timothy, in all of your life, may Christ have preeminence. May you delight in his Word as your joy and your strength. May God direct your steps to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with him. And in all you do, may you be faithful to live for the praise of his glorious grace!"

At the one year mark our boy is glad to stand on his own but hasn't ventured any steps yet. He weighs in at about 23 pounds, has 6 teeth and loves to flash them in charming grins, and is still the most content child we've ever known. Pure delight to our whole home.

We love you sweet boy! Happy Birthday!