Happy First Birthday Sweet (Baby) Sam!

Happy Birthday sweet baby Sam! I almost couldn't bring myself to write this letter because I am sad you are growing up. Most likely you are the last baby Trauth and so it's bittersweet to see you grow up. You still are so very baby like but you are also growing up before our eyes. We are so in love with you and Jack and Audrey simply adore being your big brother and sister. Just today Audrey and Jack played in your play pen outside with you while Daddy built the basketball hoop. Audrey helped you learned to stand while holding on to the edge of the play pen. They are so attentive and helpful with you. Audrey is your little mommy and Jack tries to make you laugh all the time. Thye argue over whose turn it is to sit by you at dinner. I have to admit I am looking forward to hearing you talk with them. Right now you are babbling like crazy! I am trying to work with you in saying "mama" first but I've had no luck so far. You just continue to say "dadadadadadadada". Silly boy. Here's a little more about you dear sweet one...
You still have _____ of your baby hairs sticking up on your head.
You have 7 teeth...but one more is poking through.
You had your extranumerary nipple removed in November or December. The scar is healing nicely.
You had your first really bad sickness requiring antibiotics a few weeks ago. You ended up with a double ear infection, fevers and cold symptoms. You got it from Audrey and then you gave it to Daddy and Jack. Somehow I alluded the bug!
You nurse about 6-7 times a day and eat one main meal at dinner and some snacks in the morning. You love your mama's milk!
You are just starting to stand while holding on.
When you crawl you often "scoot" with one leg forward. You go back and forth between scooting and crawling depending on what surface you are crawling on.
You love to be outside...you crawled all around in the backyard the other day after taking about 15 minutes to get used to the grass.
Your favorite foods are avocado and crackers. Tonight you actually ate steak at Panera! This is crazy to me...Jack and Audrey still gag on meat!
You still cry when your daddy comes home from work until he comes over to the table to feed you the rest of your dinner. Daddy loves it!
You are starting to be okay with crawling around on the floor and playing although when you feel it's time to be held nothing stops you! You are my little monkey/cling-on/kangaroo.

Sam, you are a delight and I am so so thankful to be your mommy. Every single day I thank God that He chose me to be your mama, that I get to nurse you and provide the best start to your life, and that you are alive and healthy. Every night when I lay you down in your crib, I thank God for the time He has given to me with you. I secretly fear that it will be the last time I kiss your sweet head. And then I am reminded by the sweet voice of the Holy Spirit asking me to Trust Him. And so I do...again...each day. I trust Him to take care of you and pursue you relentlessly like you did with Jack and Audrey.

Dear Lord, I love you and I know you love Sam more than I ever could. I know that you will be there every step of the way as he develops and grows. You have been so faithful to keep our family healthy and safe. I know you will do the same for Sam. I know you have a plan for Sam. Lord I pray that you make your plan clear for Sam. Direct him and guide him. I pray that you would provide Christian influences in Sam's life during every phase. I pray that you would also protect Sam's wife and nurture her throughout her childhood. I pray that she herself would become a believer at a young age and follow you closely. I pray that Sam would glorify you in all that he does, every day of his life. I pray that he would follow you closely and seek Your will for his life. Lord give him peace and joy all of his days. I pray that the generational sins of our family would not be passed on. I pray that you would give daddy and I wisdom as we parent Sam. I pray that he would be a powerful witness to the other children that he grows up with. Lord I pray that any illness, either physical or mental, would not be passed on to Sam. Lord would you give him a long healthy life that is full of grace and mercy and a quiver full of children! :) Amen!