Yesterday, my children had their first birthday. It’s hard to believe that a little over a year ago, Abby Kate and Joshua came into the world. As I think about how much my life has changed over the past year, it’s almost impossible for me to remember what it was like before their arrival. So much of our time and energy is devoted to these little ones; they need so much from us, and Sunny and I are glad to give of ourselves to meet their needs.

Abby Kate, you were born first, which is fitting since you were the more dominant one in the womb. When you were born, you weighed two pounds more than your brother, and all the nurses said that you must’ve “stolen all the groceries” in the womb. Kinda strange sounding, but that’s what they said. We named you Abby Katherine, which means “father’s joy”, and you’ve always lived up to your name. When I found out I was going to be the father of a little girl, I literally jumped for joy in the doctor’s office. Since that moment, you continually melt my heart with your warm smile, your tiny little nose, your mischevious laugh. There’s truly something special about the relationship between a father and his daughter. You’ve brought out a side of me I didn’t know I had, and I’m thankful for that. But more than that, my prayer for you will always be that you would live to bring joy to your Heavenly Father, your real Father. I’ve loved you before you were, but He loved you before there was time. The verse your mother and I chose for you is Isaiah 61:10, “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God.” If those words may be said of you, then you will truly bring joy and delight to your Heavenly Father. I love you little girl.

Joshua, my son, you were born one minute after your sister. I almost forget how worried we were about you. You only weighed 2 lbs, 5 ozs at birth. You looked so tiny. The nurses told me I could’ve taken off my wedding ring and slid it over your fist all the way up your arm…that’s how small you were. But soon we realized that although you were small, you were strong. The nurses called you Mighty Mouse at first; they said they’d never seen such a strong baby at your weight. You had to stay in the hospital for 31 days after you were born. Those were the worst 31 days of my entire life. I would come to your bedside every night and we’d talk and pray. I’d read to you from the Bible. I told you the story of Jesus. And I’d bawl my eyes out on the ride home because I had to leave you. But I learned very quickly that you belonged not to me, but to another Father, one who promises to never leave you nor forsake you. That’s why we chose Joshua 1:9 for you; “Be strong and corageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” We named you Joshua Alan — Alan in honor of the men you come from (me, your grand-dads); Joshua in honor of the kind of man we hope you will become: Jesus. I’m so proud you’re my son. I love you little boy.

To both of you, your mother and I thank God for the blessing you’ve been to us. Thank you, Father, the author of life. Sometimes, I don’t know why you bless me so much. I don’t deserve what you give me, but I’m grateful nonetheless. Thank you for choosing me to be Abby Kate and Joshua’s daddy on earth. And may they come to know and appreciate you as their Father in heaven. Thank you, Father.