To my second-born daughter on her first birthday
Dear Kaitlynn,
Today you turn one year old. Has it already been a year since that difficult, much-anticipated day when you were born?
Just moments after Kaitlynn's delivery
I was never so grateful to have your birth over with. In fact, I was so exhausted I didn't even remember to ask if you were a boy or a girl for a few moments after you were born. And was I ever shocked to find out you were a girl. We were so sure you were a boy we had even called you "Elijah" for months while you were in the womb and we hadn't really even discussed a girl's name.
But we couldn't have been happier to add another beautiful girlie to our family and what a blessing you have been!
Grandma with her three grand-daughters (Candence-18 months, Kaitlynn-2 weeks, and Kathrynne-2)
I know it might seem silly, but I'd wondered for months how it would be to have two children to love and I wondered if I'd have enough love to go around. I found out quickly that I needn't worry, instead of feeling like my love was stretched farther, my heart grew bigger!
Three months old
10 months old--licking beaters is just about the best thing ever!
You've been one of the most cheerful, flexible children I've ever been around. Sometimes I worry that you are so cheerful that something will be really wrong and I'll never know. God has blessed you with an infectious smile and laugh and you bring so much happiness into our home.
Sisters!
It brings such delight to us to watch you interact with your sister and to see the two of you becoming best friends. We pray you always have a strong relationship.
Aren't I a cutie pie?
You are growing and learning new things everyday--from words and signs, to developing motor skills, to beginning to obey and honor your parents. We are constantly amazed at how much you understand and are excited that you are starting to communicate with us!
We love you with all of our hearts, dear Kaitlynn, and pray fervently that you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus at an early age. It is our heart's desire that you will be pure, as your name means, and--most importantly-- that you will love the Lord Jesus with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. We pray that God gives us grace and wisdom to be the mommy and daddy to you He has called us to be.
Happy Birthday, my precious daughter!
Today you turn one year old. Has it already been a year since that difficult, much-anticipated day when you were born?
Just moments after Kaitlynn's deliveryBut we couldn't have been happier to add another beautiful girlie to our family and what a blessing you have been!
Grandma with her three grand-daughters (Candence-18 months, Kaitlynn-2 weeks, and Kathrynne-2)I know it might seem silly, but I'd wondered for months how it would be to have two children to love and I wondered if I'd have enough love to go around. I found out quickly that I needn't worry, instead of feeling like my love was stretched farther, my heart grew bigger!
Three months oldThe first few months of your life, your Daddy and I went through some very rocky times--financially, spiritually, and emotionally (okay, well maybe I was the only one having the emotional struggles!). Between a job loss, three months of unemployment, the falling through of a planned move back to our hometown, and our church folding, we struggled a lot during those months. Through it all, you were such a bright spot in the midst of a dark time in our lives. Thank you so much for giving us joy in the midst of heartache. I learned a great deal from observing your contentment and trust in us and pray that I can develop more childlike faith in my own life.
10 months old--licking beaters is just about the best thing ever!You've been one of the most cheerful, flexible children I've ever been around. Sometimes I worry that you are so cheerful that something will be really wrong and I'll never know. God has blessed you with an infectious smile and laugh and you bring so much happiness into our home.
Sisters!It brings such delight to us to watch you interact with your sister and to see the two of you becoming best friends. We pray you always have a strong relationship.
Aren't I a cutie pie?We love you with all of our hearts, dear Kaitlynn, and pray fervently that you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus at an early age. It is our heart's desire that you will be pure, as your name means, and--most importantly-- that you will love the Lord Jesus with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. We pray that God gives us grace and wisdom to be the mommy and daddy to you He has called us to be.
Happy Birthday, my precious daughter!
posted by Crystal Paine at 6:00 AM
37 Comments:
Wow! It doesn't seem like a year ago today. We are so glad that you and your husband have two wonderful blessings.
May the Lord continue to bless you and your family.
Charlotte and Mike
Happy Birthday to Kaitlynn! I remember when Kaitlynn was born I followed you closely through that time being 8 months pregnant myself. I remember thinking, now that Crystal has had her baby, I'm next! Our sweet baby Noah turns one on July 19th!!
I hope you have a lovely birthday celebration! Give those sweet girls a big hug from me!
I can't believe it's already been a year!! My how time flies!
Happy Birthday Kaitlynn!
Happy Birthday to Kaitlynn! Wow - has it been a year already? I first started reading your blog a few weeks before she was born.
Happy 1st Birthday Kaitlynn! You are getting so big. Keep up the good growing and the God growing! Praying you'll always serve the Lord! Blessings to you always!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Kaitlynn! Hard to believe that not yesterday she was a tiny little peanut! May the Lord make you a great blessing to your mom and dad, sweet girl!
the Melvins
What a sweet letter! Happy Birthday, sweet Kaitlynn!
Crystal,
This post is so precious! I love all the pictures and your comments. Your children are most blessed!
Carla
Oh, don't you mean your mom is with her granddaughters? No big deal!
Congrats to all of you.
My second daughter, also, was an extremely cheerful and flexible little soul. She is five years old now, and remains such a joy to us with her easygoing nature. My mother has this easygoing optimism, and I think it is a precious gift. She also gifted my sweet girl with dreamy brown eyes...which can be passed down only through her side...and that pleases her immensely. You know grandmas! :)
I enjoy following your blog and hope you all enjoy a delightful birthday. Crystal, I hope you also enjoy yet another "mother's day" honoring a year with your daughter.
Blessings to you all!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to Kaitlynn! May she a blessing to you and grow in grace!
Lots of love,
Sommer
Happy Birthday Kaitlynn! Always know that you are loved! :)
Aww, happy birthday little one! One of the absolute best things about having kids is watching them bond and become friends as well as siblings. My two are as different as night and day, but as close as peanut butter and jelly! Enjoy this time, it goes by way too fast.
Happy Birthday to Kaitlynn! What a little blessing! I was 8 1/2 months pregnant, when she was born, and so it was a very emotional experience for me, too. I hope her birthday is delightful!
Crystal,
Beautiful pics. And happy birthday to Kaitlynn! I think the pic with your Mom and all the girls is adorable (but I think the caption is supposed to read granddaughters and not nieces, LOL).
How sweet!! Happy Birthday!!
I am having my second in the next several weeks, and I have been wondering how it would be to love two...this really helps!
cristie
Happy birthday to Kaitlynn! How wonderful for all of you!
I'm crying at my keyboard as I type this. :-)
May God bless your little one today and every day, and may she ALWAYS know how deeply He loves her.
Thank you for sharing your family with us, Crystal!
Happy 1st Birthday Kaitlynn!
Thank you for sharing such sweet pictures of your baby girl. Both girls are growing up so fast! May God bless you and Jesse as you train them to love the Lord Jesus with all their hearts!
~Susan
and by the way--your mom is so pretty too! :)
Also can't believe it's a year ago!!
Happy Birthday Kaitlynn!!
Oops on my mistake on the picture caption! Don't ask me what I was thinking (or *not* thinking!).
Happy Birthday! Abigail and Kaitlin were soooo happy to see you and your sister in the dresses they sent you!!!
Amanda
Crystal,
Wow, I cannot believe she is already a year old, I remember lifting you up to the Lord when you were so sick with her near the end of your pregnancy. Your family has been such a joy and a blessing.
Love, Phallin
Happy Birthday. The picture of all of you at her birth is really cute. You look like such a wonderful family.
She is beautiful!!
Happy Birthday, little One! It seems just like a few months ago you and I were getting ready to have our little ones. Kyle is 1 on June 26th!
Awww what a beautiful family <3
And happy birthday to your daughter.
Lovely photos. This whole entry put a huge smile on my face. :)
Happy first birthday to your little one!
Our youngest, Kenny, just turned 2 on June 20th. I think Summer birthdays are the best! Even though we had extremely unusual weather here in Mongolia.
www.melspin.blogspot.com
Happy birthday to dear Kaitlynn. I remember praying for her to be delivered safely, a year ago. How times flies by.
Happy Birthday and blessings to you Kaitlynn! You and your sister are so cute!
And Crystal, that was truly a wonderful letter, one that I think Kaitlynn will greatly treasure when she gets older!
/ Linda Marie
Happy Birthday Kaitlynn!!
What beautiful sentiments.
:)
Gosh, has it really been a year already? Wow, that time has gone fast.
I mast ask though... how on EARTH did you hair stay so nice through that horrendous labour?
Has it really been a year already? What an eventful year you've all had!
Happy birthday dear Kaitlynn
Claire
It was one year ago today that I found your blog. Someone else had posted that you were in labor and I clicked on the link and never looked back! You have been such a blessing to me--through both of your blogs. I hope Kaitlynn has a very special day! You are blessed!
I remember reading the live blog of her birth, just weeks after the birth of my second! It just doesn't seem like it could have possibly been a year ago, does it?
I can really relate to your thoughts about Kaitlynn bringing so much joy at a difficult time. We felt very much the same way about Caden being born during his Daddy's cancer treatments. God certainly knows he timing of when each child should be born, doesn't he?
Happy 1st Birthday, Kaitlynn! Blessings on you today!
Unbelieveable how fast this last year passed!
Happy birthday to Kaitlynn!
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