11 Months Old

The countdown is on. This is the last "month" to achieve before we celebrate his first birthday. Everyone said the time would fly. I had no idea how right they were. It doesn't seem possible that this time last year we were none the wiser that parenthood was right around the corner. I can still vividly remember frantically packing for Ohio and the nerves I felt before walking into the room where I knew I'd lay eyes on my son. I've kept track of every little accomplishment - rolling over, a tooth, first experiences with food, trips and visits from family and friends. What I know is that what we've experienced over the past 11 months with our son has been beyond what we could have ever imagined.

Pap said it best - Thank God for unanswered prayers. If we would have gotten what we prayed for (to begin with), we wouldn't have Elijah. If we had been chosen the first interview, or things had worked out with the second interview - it wouldn't be HIM. We waited, and waited, FOR HIM because he was who God had planned for us. I'm so thankful for God's perfect plan and His sovereignty in our lives.

In the recent weeks, we've seen this budding personality emerge as he's become more aware of his interactions with us and others. We know how to get him belly laughing; likewise he knows how to make us laugh. He's aware of getting attention - whether that's prompted by his notorious fake cough or physically crawling up to you and laughing in your face. He also knows when he does not have your attention, and most recently, that usually results in him expressing shrieks or squeals (as high-pitched as you can imagine) with the new-found voice he's discovered. He is so proud of himself because as soon as you respond to his noises, he just laughs. It is precious to watch this little life developing into a little person.

Last night I prayed over every inch of him. His mind to be filled with the goodness and knowledge of the Lord. His eyes to look for and see the good in people. His mouth to share the Good News and love of God. His hands to serve and give and reach out to others. His feet to carry the Gospel of Christ - no matter where he goes. His heart to be dedicated to Christ and to love Him with all his might.

So the countdown begins. Yes, there will be a party. There will be cake. There will be presents. Most importantly, there will be a little boy - not so much of a baby anymore - who has blessed our lives more than we could have ever prayed for.