First Birthdays!!!

We are coming up to ONE YEAR January mommas!!! How exciting and wonderful! How has a year flown by?!? It’s my son’s 1st birthday :)

In one of the most difficult years of our lives... God gave us hope, He gave us purpose, He gave us the gift of you, Elijah. He met us where we were at, and knew what we needed even if I didn’t see it until the day I held you. I’m so thankful for you. Every month of sickness, and every ounce pain [there was a lot] to bring you into this world was worth it. God humbled me in these 9 months to appreciate everything because so many women I love with all my heart, pray for the chance to be a mother every night. Around 5 A.M. I felt my water start to break, and I quietly prayed it wasn’t happening, panicking I finally told Ryan it was time to wake Haidyn up, pack the car and head to the hospital. Contractions started at 5:30, at 6:30 they confirmed you were breech and I’d be going into the OR for emergency C-Section. Over 30 minutes of painful attempts to numb me, they finally were able to get you out just before 9 A.M. A healthy 5 pound 13 ounce boy with the most perfect head full of hair! My precious son, a new Rybandt to carry on the name, and the beautiful reminder that God is so good. You have completed this family, and have brought such joy to us all. You are so fun, with a huge personality and even more attitude. This year has flown by, I can’t even believe we are celebrating one year with you. 12 months of adoration, sleepless nights, hearty giggles and new experiences. You are a great challenge, but I’m so thankful for you. I’ve never seen Haidyn so happy, than when she gets you to laugh or play with her. She loves you more than anything. I pray to God that you grow to be a respectful, kind, strong, intelligent, successful man. For now, I appreciate every new milestone you meet, I appreciate every little toe you wiggle and every little noise you make, every food that is spit out, every dance you groove to, every hug you give. My son, we may not be able to promise you the world, but we can promise that you will never doubt how loved you are...Happy First Birthday Elijah James