Katelyn (4.0)

Hey there Sweetness,

You're 4. Yep. And everyone knows it. You also knew that even though your party was Sunday, you weren't really 4 till today. And you told everyone that, too.

This has been a good year for you, but not an easy one. You're one of the smartest children I've ever known, and I'm not just saying that because you're mine. You're brilliant. A few weeks ago you counted to 100 with only two prompts. You know the location of every state in the Union, and a good number of their names. You know where friends and family live, and if they've moved, you know both locations. You can write your name as clearly as some kids I've seen in 2nd or 3rd grade. You can sing countless songs, and like many American girls, know the Frozen soundtrack better than your parents want you to.

I can show you how to use a phone or tablet app and you figure it out in moments. I have also removed a few because they're too hard, but you will play them till you get angry (they must be conquered). You have grown into quite the creative little girl. And, unfortunately, you seem to have inherited your parents' cleaning habits.

You and Nathan are becoming quite a tandem. I have never seen a time when you can't make him laugh. I love how you care for him. I can't wait to see how your love for each other grows. Recently, your patience with his brotherly antics has been tried a bit. Hopefully your hair will grow back in the spots he's yanked it out. I hope you learn to share at least a little bit along the way.

This year has also brought an entirely new and special level to the term "independent". I must say that my desire for you to live life to the full has backfired a bit sometimes. I think you have a full dose of stubborn from both your parents. Unfortunately I have lost patience more than once. I pray you know that even in the times I seem to lose my temper, you are deeply loved.

You are such a precious, beautiful, intelligent girl. One of the great joys of the last month has been to answer your questions about Jesus' crucifixion. I pray you reach a clear understanding of the Gospel of Jesus and trust Him as your Savior and Lord. I pray you become a living testimony of the hope of His resurrection. I pray that day is soon.

As we get used to having Grandma and Grandpa in town with us, I know there will be a lot of new adventures. We hope to be able to bless you with many great times together.

I'm thankful you're my girl. You are loved by your mom and dad more than you'll ever know.

You're my favorite!

Love, Daddy

Nathan (1.0)

Well, little man, you're a year old. Considering your mom's doctor had never seen a baby with heart block survive pregnancy, you've blown away the odds. And you still are working on that.
You have had a big voice (and a lot to say) since day one. Thankfully, you don't remember your first days. Because I had the flu for the first time in my life, your mom and I were not allowed in the NICU. You were well loved by the nurses, and Grandma, Grandpa, and Katelyn all got to see you. After quarantine was lifted, we all came home to a whole new world.
Quickly, you have blown away the expectations anyone had that you would be slowed down at all. You've been a lean, loud eating machine from day one. You laughed early, and have done your best to be into everything your sister is. Because your mom and I have always been on the slow end of the "baby curve" we had some long nights for a few months. You have become a pretty good sleeper though. Good enough that the times you aren't really make for long nights.
You are strong and smart. You love and trust easily. You LOVE to play. You have a gentle heart... And a bit of a mean streak. And did I mention you can be VERY LOUD?
It's been a busy year for your whole family. When you were just a few weeks old your Gram got very sick, which made for a lot of travel and stress for a few months. She's doing really well now, and lives in Santa Fe near your cousins, who moved there when you were just a couple weeks old. I had a busy year working at the church, and we travelled a lot. You don't really like riding in a car at all. At ALL. We decided after the jillionth trip of the year in October to give you a rest for the rest of 2013. It was much quieter after that. Grandma and Grandpa are frequent visitors, and you always have a ball when they come. You have an awesome mom. I pray you quickly realize how blessed you, we all, are.
It's been a year of firsts for all of us. You are primed for a few more very quickly. It's just a matter of time till you're walking and taking the world by storm. We love you so much and know there are amazing things in store for your life. You're loving, talented, and more amazing all the time.
Because we know people will ask, the most frequent statement we get from our doctors about you and your cool heartbeat is, “no concerns.”
I ask many blessings from God on your life. I pray you trust Him for everything. You are our gift.