ONE whole year of FLASH FLOODing...

Hard for me to believe that Flash Flood has been with us an entire year, but at the same time, it feels like he's been with us forever. It seems like yesterday we were headed to the hospital.... And now, he's ONE YEAR OLD.

Dearest Flash Flood,

You were the answer to your sister's prayers, though maybe not the exact answer she was looking for, but just as we told her over and over, God always knows what we need. I'll never forget the day I was driving with Her Highness, who was only five years old at the time, chatting away in the back seat. I nearly ran off the road as she proudly announced, "Momma, last night I prayed that God put a baby in your tummy LAST NIGHT." She had been praying for an entire year, "God, please send me a baby sister." which we thought was cute, but tried to ignore. I became nervous when she told me her latest prayer request, along with the new deadline. A few weeks later we learned just how much God loves the prayers of little children. I'm so thankful now, that she prayed so fervently.

Since the day you were born, I've constantly found myself gazing at your full lips and precious features. Those same full lips that now love to give slobbery kisses as you go, "Mmmm-whhaaaa!" all over my cheek. Those same lips that have learned to pout when you're told no, or when the tv remote is taken away, or you are scolded for digging through the trash. It's those lips, along with the rest of you, that melt my heart. Every. Single. Day.

I don't remember giving you permission to grow up so quickly. Matter of fact, I distinctly remember telling you to slow down, and stay my baby forever and ever. But, like your older siblings, you already have a mind of your own, and slowing down is not part of your plan.

I also don't remember giving you permission to learn how to walk, talk and feed yourself. What will I do if you're aren't completely dependent on me anymore?? Sigh. I suppose you have to grow up sometime. And since time seems to be speeding up, the older I get, instead of slowing down, I will have to try and soak up each and every moment.

Parts of the past year are a blur. It's becoming clear to me now, that life is a series of blurs. And, from those blurs we can take away positive feelings and warmth, knowing overall, it was a good season. I am so thankful that God allowed you to be a part (and technically the cause) of our latest blur, which was overall, a great season.

We love you, Baby. Happy 1st Birthday!

Love Always and FOREVER,

~Your biggest fan, Big Momma~