Sweet Lovin'

Oh buddy boy, you are the most precious thing I have ever laid eyes on! I can't stop kissing those ever plumping cheeks! You are just the sweetest thing. Today someone was holding you while I was talking and you were turning your head to find me because you heard my voice. You certainly know how to make your mommy feel good! When daddy came home today he was giving you love and you turned your head right towards him - wide-eyed and bright, grabbing at his face. Does his goatee tickle your face?! You don't seem to mind our incessant kisses. We just can't stop smothering you with sweet lovin'!

Mommy's friend Erin told us before we went to pick you up that she was specifically praying you would immediately bond with us and know that we are your mommy and daddy. Little one, we have yet another answer to prayer.

You stayed up for a good part of today, even after you decided to wake up every two hours last night. We sat on the porch with Nana and the dogs for over an hour tonight. It was so pretty outside - and you LOVE the warm weather. You sat in Nana's lap and then in your bouncy seat, just as content as can be. You just love being outdoors.

You are so much fun and you continue to make us laugh with all your faces. I look at you and wonder what color your eyes will be - they're still blue/grey. I think about how you already express your strong-willed personality when you don't want to go to sleep or we can't get your bottle fast enough. I whisper prayers over you as you sleep - praying for God to keep you in the palm of His hand. I pray for you to come to an early knowledge of Christ and that you will be His child. I realize I am just a steward. Yes, I am your mommy, but God has only entrusted me with the privilege of raising you. You are His, Elijah.

Have I ever told you how you got your name? Mommy and Daddy couldn't decide. We had talked about Noah, Evan, Riley Cane, Canaan...but we couldn't pick. We held you for 10 minutes and still hadn't chosen your name. Sara, your birthmother, named you Riley and we felt it was honoring and fitting to keep that as part of your name. We finally looked at you and decided Elijah Riley. Elijah is the first name Daddy read in the Bible after he got saved. He didn't grow up going to church and learning about the Lord, but when he was 20 he gave his heart to Jesus and that was a name that was significant to him.

Elijah was a prophet in the Bible, but more importantly, your name means "The Lord is My God." Oh, how I pray that for you, dear child. I pray He will be your God. I pray you will know the depths of His love, the grip of His hand upon your life. Hold onto Jesus, baby. I will only be able to hold onto you for so long, but He will never let you go.