happy 2, jude wicker!

after bringing jude home from hospital

my precious little 7lb baby i brought home from the hospital on valentine's day 2 years ago, is now running around my house weighing in at 30 lbs.  the time really does fly.  last year, i could not believe how fast his first birthday seemed to come - knowing i would never have the baby days with him again.

jude's first birthday

he loves all things choo-choo trains, airplanes, trucks (any mode of transportation really), jumping on our bed, doing the laundry, holding his baby brother, laughing, eating hot dogs, wrestling with his daddy, playing outside, wearing his rain boots and tie (often together), dancing, and much more.  He is an amazing bundle of life and it really is hard to remember what life was like without him.

jude in said tie and rainboots

jude unloading the dishwasher in his hat and texas football jersey

my prayers for jude:
- that God will save jude at a very early age and that he won't remember a day when he didn't know the Lord.
- that God will use his laughter and joy to encourage and bless others
- that God will use Jude's strong will to make him steadfast, and unmoving in the Gospel rather than to rebel and pave his own way
- that God will use Jude's observant, serious and sensitive sides to include "the least of these" and be mindful of the needs of others around him.
- that God will use Jude's affectionate nature to love Christ with his entire life and to love others as himself.
- that God will use Jude in Crosby's life to strengthen and encourage him in the faith.

i love this little boy more than i ever thought possible.  i am so grateful to be his mother and i love sharing my days with him.  he truly is a gift from God.  happy birthday, sweet baby jude!  you are no longer a baby, but a precious little toddler full of life and exuberance!