Who knew?
Who knew that before your days were even one, the impact your small little life would have on all those arms that wait anxiously to hold you for the very first time.
Who knew you’d take our breath away when the song of your heartbeat played ever so quietly before our ears just weeks after learning of your arrival.
Who knew the miracle of watching you sleep during your debut to the world would stir an amazing love in our hearts before you were ever born.
Children are a gift from God.
He knew them before they were ever born.
He planned for them at the beginning of time.
In the beginning their steps have been ordered, the plans for their lives are in place.
Children have a destiny, they’ve been called for a purpose yet to be revealed.
In their mother’s womb, God knits them and keeps a viligent watch. He doesn’t slumber nor take his eyes off of them not even for a moment.
Before you were ever born, your siblings were fighting over you, deciding for themselves where you will sleep and who will hold you first. Your room has been ready for weeks. Your blankie has been bought and can’t wait to keep you warm. The diapers are stacked. A fluffy bear keeps his post on the dresser overlooking your crib. A nightlight burns softly in the corner across the room from where you will sleep.
Your birth can’t come soon enough. Nine months of siblings repeating “is baby here yet” wears thin on a mother’s patience. But the hour finally comes and those that have waited an eternity welcome you with open arms.
Before you were ever born you were loved to the moon and back.
Before you were ever born you had a big sister and big brother who couldn’t wait their turn to introduce themselves.
Before you were ever born, the kisses your siblings couldn’t wait to give you.
The gifts, the moments, the preparations made way before you were ever born.
It’s a wonder you are ever able to sleep with an audience who just can’t take their eyes off of you. The innocence of you sweet child, soft and delicate, taking small breaths one after the other, while you rest and grow in your dreams.
Safe and sound in your daddies arms, he vows to protect you from all harm. Witnessing a miracle snuggled up close, your daddies in such awe that the one he holds is really his.
Sometimes daddy’s first kiss will also be his last for many months until he returns for you after deployment. During that summer to fall season, you will grow into such a big girl that daddy will have to reacquaint himself to you.
Before you were ever born, no one could have imagined how fast you’d grow and change before our baby could count her fingers to one year old. Posing for pictures month after month that first year, capturing your beautiful self for a “time capsule of moments” we’d give anything to relive. Looking back over the twelve months before us reveals the wonderful holidays, your health challenges, your growth and smiles for days. You’re loved even more now than before you were ever born.
Before you were ever born, God’s calendar has already marked and reserved your life’s celebrations.
From your first birthday.
Your first haircut.
Your first day of school.
Your first attempts at stretching your wings.
All those graduations. Your first job. Your wedding. Your first child.
So many surprises that wait to celebrate you in years to come.
But for today, we celebrate you.
Two innocent girls who came into this world just weeks apart, cousins who live states apart, yet share a bond and ask for each other when their mommies talk on the phone.
No one could have imagined girls that would steal your heart before they were ever born. Now a family can’t imagine life without them.
You little girls are beautiful.
You little girls have captured our world with your smiles.
We know you both will attempt great feats and achieve your hearts desire.
There are big plans for your life.
I know that because God has prepared for them in fine detail
Before you were ever born.
Apples of Gold Encouragement 