Evie's 1st Birthday

It's been way too long.

This summer has been full of celebrating bellies, the births of new babies, learning new things, and exploring the people and wonders of our little corner of the world.

Most importantly, though, we have rejoiced that our little Evie, who has given us so much happiness and worry, has made it through her first year.

We invited our friends and family to come and celebrate with us and contribute to a fund for Greenville Children's Hospital's Virtual Toy Drive. We wanted to raise money to purchase vein finders for other little babies like Evie who needed to have blood drawn. Our goal was to raise $100, we expected that we might raise $200, but we were very surprised and overwhelmed with the love and support our friends and family showed us when we raised $500. Praise the Lord!

Mimi made Evie's birthday cake. We used sunflowers because they sort of keep popping up along our life journey. As I waited and waited and waited for Evie to be born, the flowers around my yard kept blooming. At first I thought she'd be my little day lily, then my stargazer lily, but finally, when we arrived home from the hospital after her birth, my sunflowers were in bloom. Sunflowers have always been my favorite flower. So, of course, we had to use them. Because she's our flower.

This year has gone by so unbelievably fast. My little girl has grown so much. And so have we. She's learned to crawl and talk and play. We've learned to trust our God, put our hearts at peace, forgive. We all have so much more to discover. Life is fresh and just beginning for her, and for us too. 

She'll always be my baby.

Thanks Jenn Anderson for all the lovely pictures. You've helped us to remember this day in a very special way.