Day 6: Song That Makes You Cry (PART 2)

For all the times I felt cheated, I complained
You know how I love to complain
For all the wrongs I repeated, though I was to blame
I still cursed that rain
I didn't have a prayer, didn't have a clue
Then out of the blue

God gave me you to show me what's real
There's more to life than just how I feel
And all that I'm worth is right before my eyes
And all that I live for though I didn't know why
Now I do, 'cause God gave me you

For all the times I wore my self pity like a favorite shirt
All wrapped up in that hurt
For every glass I saw, I saw half empty
Now it overflows like a river through my soul
From every doubt I had, I'm finally free
I truly believe

God gave me you to show me what's real
There's more to life than just how I feel
And all that I'm worth is right before my eyes
And all that I live for though I didn't know why
Now I do, 'cause God gave me you

In your arms I'm someone new
With ever tender kiss from you
Oh must confess
I've been blessed

God gave me you to show me what's real
There's more to life than just how I feel
And all that I'm worth is right before my eyes
And all that I live for though I didn't know why (didn't know why)
Now I do (I finally do), 'cause God gave me you (God gave me You)

God gave me you

Addy's Third Birthday Letter

I have tried writing your birthday post several dozen times today, but I just can’t find adequate words. You are just too much to contain in a single blog post. Too much personality. Too much charm. Too much mischief. Too much everything. But, just right. There hasn't been a single day in the last three years that you haven’t brought joy, laughter and so much love.

Oh how much you've grown! I cannot get my head around the fact that it’s been three years since you came into my life. It seems like yesterday you were toddling around, muttering words and sounds.  Now you are a boy who runs, jumps, sings, speaks in full sentences, asks questions and is constantly absorbing the world around you. You spread such joy to those who know you. You laugh contagiously.  You are starting to tell “funny jokes.” Every day is a new adventure. I keep on falling in love with you Addy every single day.

I can’t believe how much you've grown this past year. At the start of 2 years old you were still doing what I call “dolphin speak”. It basically consisted of a bunch of “eh eh eh eh eh’s, some “eh??”  and a whole lot of pointing. Sounding just like a dolphin would if they tried to speak English.  The doctor assured me that your speech would pick up near the summer but you know me, I was worried as always. Thankfully I was wrong and by the time summer rolled around you had mastered spoken word! and boy did you let me know it. I haven’t heard any silence yet. Sometimes you even talk in your sleep. 

Do you know you potty trained yourself? Oh yes, you did. You've always been so independent it’s almost unbelievable at times. You were rolling over at 2 weeks, pulling yourself up at 6 months, eating by yourself at 1.6 years and by 2.3 years you were done with diaper! You even help mommy wash dishes and do the laundry. You're also in charge of setting the dining table. Yes babylove, I am proud to say that you're domesticated honey. 

I celebrate your presence every day, but today mark the 3rd year since your birth. it's been an amazing journey.  In my wildest imagination I could have never thought things would be the way they are now.  Life has thrown a few curves at me  but I always do my best to be the mother that you deserve. Being a mom to a lovable child like you has been the most blissful and heavenly experience. Thank you for giving me happy times and unforgettable memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. I hope you are always as sweet and loving and funny and unique and confident and magnetic as you are today. I know that you will be. I feel blessed to live my life with you and I love you with all of my heart.

My job as a mom is hard but when I think of the value of what I've gained and what I hope YOU'VE gained from my time with you these past three years, there is no price you can put on that.  I'm not from royalty but I feel as if I have lived the life of a thousand kings.

So many things have happened over the past 3 years, just this past year alone. But you have shown a level of resilience, and determination  that is remarkable.  It has been from you that I've drawn my strength, courage, and  determination. It's not that I haven't wanted to give up at times. It's just that I couldn't give up. I could never give up on you, because you haven't given up on me. I will always be grateful for your patience, gratitude, and humbleness through what at times has been challenging, difficult, and at times painful.  Someday when you are able to comprehend and wonder how WE made it through, know that I didn't do it alone , but only with the grace of God.  

Thank you for the wonderful gift you've given me: The gift of motherhood.  Judging by your first 3 years, you're destined for greatness.  I have no doubt.  I don't just expect, but will require great things from you. Not because I think you're capable, but I KNOW you are.  I love you.... love you more than you will ever know. You changed my life so much that I can barely remember my old self. You gave me strength to be a better person for you. I only hope that when you’re old enough to read this letter that you’ll still be telling me every day “I love you mommy whole bunch” because I love you dear boy, with all my heart!

Addy, if you are reading this years from now, I want you to know that at age 3, you are so much in love with me. Just like any other young children, you adored your mother and like any other mothers in this world, I could have felt no greater love than knowing that you need me as much as I need you. I will forever be grateful and proud of you. I will always be thankful to have you.

Yes, indeed I am cherishing every minute that I spend with you and every moment is a blessing worth more than diamonds and pearls. I love you to bits my little baby.. happy Third Birthday Addy!