Noelle, Happy 3rd Birthday

Noelle, we thank God for your life!

Your life began December 9th with a bit of a rough start- you had Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn complicated with sepsis and spent ten days in the NICU. The time you spent in the hospital caused us to realize more than ever that your life is a gift.

Noelle, you quickly became the apple of your brother's eye and his best friend....

Mom returned to work before you turned three months old in order to support dad in finishing his seminary studies. You were privileged to spend more time with your daddy than most little girls....you remain a daddy's girl.

Noelle's First Birthday Party....

Noelle's Second Birthday....Noelle's Third Birthday...

Dear Noelle: Today is your third birthday, happy birthday BIG sister!
Your dad and I are so thankful that God has allowed us to be your father and mother for three whole years- what a gift. We marvel at how God has created you ALL girl and formed you so beautifully.
Noelle, before you popped out of mommy's tummy and your dad and I got to meet you, God formed your body and your soul and He did a terrific job. God knew you before we did and He loves you. Noelle, as we have gotten to know you these past three years our affection for you has grown deeper and deeper and yet we can't love you as perfectly as God loves you.
Noelle, from your early days you had a rare privilege that few children know. Your dad had the privilege of being more involved in your first eighteen months than most fathers. The really neat outcome of this experience is that you are definitely a "daddy's girl." Noelle, I love to see how you adore your dad and look forward to seeing him first thing in the morning and at the end of his day. Your dad provides a wonderful example to you of the love of our Heavenly Father- he is loving, patient, kind, and when he disciplines you it is because he wants you to guide you in making wise choices, not foolish ones. My hope is that one day soon the love that you have for your daddy will be transferred into a relationship with God the Father, that you would love and adore and desire to please Him as you do your dad.
Noelle, our prayer for you is that the Holy Spirit would open the eyes of your heart that you would see and comprehend the love of Christ for you. As your mother there is only one gift that I hope and pray you receive; that gift is the gift of eternal life….that you would recognize your sin and your need for a savior and that Jesus death on the cross for the sins of His chosen ones and resurrection three days later in victory over sin and death would be yours! Noelle, all of your favorite toys (barbies, baby dolls, finger paints, etc.) will not give you the everlasting joy that a relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior will bring. My prayer for you this year is that God would be pleased to open your eyes and transfer you from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. I pray that you will "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil." (Prov. 3:5-7).
The last ten months have brought joy to my heart to see you adoring and helping care for your little sister. You are a mommy in training and clearly God has planted within you a love for children. Mommy really appreciates the help you are to me in caring for Taryn (you are an ever present companion in our diaper changing adventures), in trying your hand in the kitchen (we do need to work on restraining ourselves in nibbling before the treats reach completion), and learning to help out with work around the home (you do a great job of diligently collecting the laundry and helping set the table).
We look prayerfully and expectantly into the next 365 days to see how the Lord will continue to mature you into a young lady.
Love you, Mom