Dear Joel,

Today you are one. It's hard to wrap our minds around that. It seems like just yesterday we were praying for your very existence. Unlike your siblings, it took what seemed like forever for God to answer our prayers for another child. Though we know a few months is nothing compared to what other people face, we knew how desperately we wanted you - and that made the wait a difficult one. Now, we thank God for His timing because it was indeed perfect and you being born on the very day that you were, was just how it was meant to be.

I guess that's been the theme of your little life so far. Waiting. We waited for your creation, waited for you to be born (a week late), waited for you to sleep through the night, waited for you to get your first tooth, waited, waited, waited. In doing so, you, our precious third and last child, have reminded us that every moment is worth the wait. In waiting, we've learned to treasure everything just a bit more. And a treasure you are, sweet boy. 

Everything has seemed so different even though we've done this all before. Your birth was an amazing experience, your first cries were distinctly different, and we knew from the beginning that you were unique and God had yet again created another miracle. We've had to remind ourselves time and time again that it is important to slow down and savor this miracle of babyhood. Knowing that you're the last has made everything throughout the past year quite bittersweet. When we left the hospital, we thought about how we'd never again be carrying an infant out into the world for the first time. Tears. When we laid you in your crib for the first time, we knew there'd never be a body so tiny on that mattress again. Tears. When we packed away the newborn clothes, swing, bouncy seat, jumper, infant carrier, and everything else that you've outgrown it has reminded us that this phase is ending. Even those things that we dread more than anything....the sleepless nights, nursing around-the-clock, blowout diapers, eating meals in shifts because of a fussing baby....they all came to an end eventually, but not without a bit of sadness to see them go.

The tears of sadness have also come with an abundance of joy. You have won the hearts of every member of our family. Daddy and Mommy can't get enough of you and your siblings have taken you under their wings. We all have cheered through the milestones of your first year....rolling over, sitting up, clapping, waving bye-bye, and so much more. Caleb and Leah were your cheerleaders through it all. Daddy and Mommy just marveled at how quickly you were growing. Through it all, you've remained an incredibly easygoing and adorable little guy. Many times, you are so content to just sit back and observe that we forget you're even there. When you do, however, manage to grab our attention, you make it clear that you love to make us happy. You find so much satisfaction in hearing your siblings laugh or seeing Daddy and Mommy smile. You have completed our family and we like to joke that there aren't going to be any other kids because we've stopped at perfection! 

Truth be told, you have been our easiest baby by far and we are so thankful that is the case. By being such a pleasant baby, you've made this past year one that was filled with so many wonderful memories. You've allowed us to slow down and really enjoy the ups AND downs of raising a baby. So now, as you enter into the toddler years, we will yet again marvel at how quickly you continue to grow. Your puppy dog eyes and tiny curls will one day be a thing of the past, but you will always be our baby. We thank God for you, sweet baby Joel. And we pray that He will continue to watch over you each and every moment of your life.

Love,
Daddy and Mommy