Dear Phoebe,
You have a firm grip for someone so tiny. Even the photographer we met yesterday said so when she tried to pry your hand open to take away the sash she had wrapped you in. With this tenacity, you pulled on your hair a second time when the mitten on your left hand fell off. My darling, may you take hold of life with the same level of grit, passionately pursuing the things of God. May you also have the wisdom to pick your battles and not sweat the small stuff. May your eyes ever be on the Lord, the author and perfecter of your faith, such that you live with the right priorities and values.
You have a cute smile. Papa and I try to capture this with our phone cameras when we can. A midwife explained that smiles mean gas for babies up to the age of four or six weeks, but even if they are only a sign of flatulence, they sure make me happy. There is a great sense of contentment on your chubby face when you are sufficiently full from a meal and nothing else is bothering you. You also seem to respond to Nai Nai's voice with crescent shaped lips. To think something so simple can be so rewarding. My love, may you always be filled with the joy of the Lord and not struggle with discontentment. May you take pleasure in the little things, and all that God has created for you to enjoy. May your delight be in Him so that your heart's desires are met. May your sweet disposition and lovely countenance be contagious and a blessing to others.
You are rather unpredictable at times. Truth be told, it's only because you cannot yet communicate in a way I fully understand. This has led to double nappy changes in one sitting and extra laundry because of unexpected gushes of pee or big squirts of mustardy poop. You know, pumpkin, life can get rather messy at times, and often this is from our own doing. Nevertheless, comfort can be found in God as His love covers our wrongs and His grace carries us through. Papa and I still make mistakes, and it is God whom we seek to get back on track. There have been countless times where the Lord has picked up the broken pieces of my life and mended my shattered heart. My baby, may you be quick to turn to the Lord in times of trouble and allow Him sovereignty over every area of your life. May you not take Him for granted but choose each day to walk in His ways. He knows you completely so if you ever feel like no one understands, just remember your Heavenly Father does.
You are a fighter, Papa says. At your mini photoshoot yesterday (thanks to my colleagues who purchased the package for your baby shower gift), an hour was spent getting you into a particular pose. You did not agree to this and the photographer's grand plan had to be scrapped. While you complied with the way she positioned your feet, it was nearly impossible to place your hands in a certain way. You even attempted to fling off the pretty bejeweled band she gently tied over your forehead. You have your unique sleeping postures, so it's good luck to anyone who wants to change that. My princess, may your stubbornness be towards fighting for justice and righteousness. May you be a voice for the voiceless and stand for the oppressed with a fiery courage and a deep compassion. Be confident that God will back you up as you act in His timing and in accordance with His leading.
You are unfazed by noise. Perhaps the sounds you heard while in my womb have helped you adapt to living on the outside. Regardless, I am still amazed at how you are not in the slightest affected by our roaring vacuum cleaner, daily conversations and the television. Although you occasionally startle at sudden interjections like the sharp bark of our neighbour's edgy dog, you have yet to cry or be unsettled from your slumber as a result. In fact, Papa just dropped the steam mop on our tiled floor and made a bang with the bar stool but here you are sleeping peacefully by my side in your bassinet. My sweet, may you go through life secure in the Lord and unperturbed by the challenges that pop up along the way. May you be so in tune with His Spirit that the enemy cannot deceive you with his wily schemes and subtle lies. May you listen only to the Lord when it comes to defining your identity and discovering your purpose.
You are our most favourite Phoebe in the whole wide world and will forever be.
Love, Mama
No comments:
Post a Comment