Happy First Birthday Juliette!

Juliette,

My sweet, graceful, playful daughter... I love you. You are so precious and have changed my life and many others. You turned one today so you've been out in this world for a year now. I can't remember life without you. I am praying that as you continue to grow, you will know God's love and grace. I feel SO blessed that I get to be your mom. You are so much fun. This year has been full of many struggles, changes, and celebrations. Throughout each and every moment, I have thanked God for your life. You are a delight. I love you, Juju Bee! Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Belle!

Belle,

You are a treasure. Your sweet soul has already touched so many in wonderful ways. Since the day you were born you have lived life with your eyes wide open. I am praying that God uses your precious life to continue to touch and impact others for eternity. My prayer isn't that your life will be easy, or that you'll get all that you want... I pray that God will mold you, refine you, and draw you closer to His presence. I am asking God that He will fill you to overflowing with His joy and the knowledge of Him. My sweet baby girl, Happy Birthday!

Belle's Turning 4!

October 4, 2006... a day that forever changed my life.

October 2007... Belle playing at a local park as a toddler.

October 2008...

Belle dancing with her princess pinata at her 2nd birthday party.

October 2009... Belle's 3rd birthday party.

End of August 2010... Belle playing in Grammy and Papa's yard.

The past couple of months have been pretty emotional for me. It could be exaggerated by the fact that I'm 5 months pregnant... I've been thinking about how crazy it is that my baby girl is turning 4. She started preschool at the beginning of this month and I'm still not used to the fact that she's already attending preschool. Belle's sister, Juliette, is almost 1 and toddling around everywhere at this point. Time IS flying.

I can't begin to chronicle how this precious girl has impacted my life. So, I'll pick 4 ways that Belle has changed me for the better.

1. I know and love God more. I've definitely been (even more) faced with how selfish, fearful, and controlling I can be. Belle's birth and life have done nothing but draw me closer to Jesus.

2. I love Jackson more. I didn't think this possible, but seeing the love of my life as a father has given me a deeper love for my husband.

3. I became a teacher. I've always wanted to teach and thought, "I might do that sometime...". After Belle was born, it really pushed me to get my teaching credential and even finish my Masters in Education before her little sister was born.

4. I take care of me more. Having little ones is a "beautiful nightmare". I don't do all the things I did before little Belle came into my life, but having her has forced me to draw boundaries and protect her, my family, and myself.

Happy 4th Birthday Belle Elizabeth Alana Perdue (in 3 days)!