Happy 2nd Birthday, Jonah!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Jonah buddy!

You are joyful, fun, vibrant and helpful.  You are quick to listen, you love routine and you never turn down a snack. I love you deeply and I am so proud of the obedient, kind and considerate little boy you are becoming.  God created you in His imagine, and with a special purpose. I pray that you walk boldly into that calling each and every day. 

The more you grow the easier it is to see the unique ways that God made you.  As you grew in my  tummy, God made each and every part of you.  And now, as your dad and I watch you grow, we see evidence of your Creator in you.  So far it's clear that God has given you a big voice, a bright smile and a submissive spirit.  You have a kind heart and you are quick to learn new boundaries.  It excites us to watch your character take shape and to anticipate the ways that God is going to use you to tell others about Him in the future.

Jonah, 9 days old

Your rate of growth has amazed us in every way.  You've topped the growth charts since your arrival but you've also made phenomenal strides in both language and play.  Your dad and I continue to marvel at all of the new words you are saying and how complex some of your sentences are.  When you first started talking a few months ago, my heart swelled when you looked at me and declared, "Mama, sweet!" I hope and pray that God uses your words to continually encourage others the way you encouraged me that day.

Jonah, 1 year old

Your play first deepened and grew independently, then with Nicole and now, with friends.   I love discovering you by yourself, tucked away in a closet or corner, quietly playing by yourself.  I smile when I see how content and intentional you are when you've secluded yourself.   I used to enjoy playing by myself in small spaces when I was little too, so it brings me an extra measure of joy when I see you playing like that with so much satisfaction.

Jonah, 2 years old

Even though you make time to play alone each day, you spend the majority of your time playing with Nicole.  Your presence and friendship has blessed her tremendously and I pray that your relationship continues to be a blessing for years to come. 

Having a sibling is one of Gods best earthly gifts.  Your dad and I cherish watching you and Nicole laugh and play together.  We always enjoy observing the fun and creative games the two of you come up with and we especially appreciate seeing you work out your differences without our help. 

You have loved Nicole with unwavering affection and genuine forgiveness ever since you were a baby.  I pray that your friendship with Nicole deepens each and every day and that your love for one another covers the sin that sometimes disrupts your play.  Gods greatest commandment for you is to love Him and to love others.  You are living out that commandment every time you choose to share generously, wait patiently and forgive freely.

Your dad and I believe that this is going to be your best year yet.  My prayer for you is that you would know your Maker and experience the love He has for you.   I pray that you would believe in Jesus and find salvation in Him.  You are never too young to confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead.  He is the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through Him.  I pray that you would be rooted and established in the truth of Gods Word and that you would learn from Him.  I pray that He would be the source of every good thing in your life and that you would be quick to recognize the origin of your blessings.  I pray that God would continue to give you an obedient heart because when you obey your dad and I, ultimately you are obeying God.  I pray that like David, God would call you a man after His own heart and that He would raise you up to be mighty, faithful, steadfast and kind. 

Jonah, I have been abundantly blessed watching your persistent nature and quiet patience emerge. You are deeply loved and valued.  You have enriched our lives in so many ways and we know that the best is yet to come. 

Happy birthday, sweet boy!  I love you. 

Love,
Mom