An Animal They Don't Have in Sri Lanka...

William said his first real word today.

Many a time he has shouted out an enthusiastic "mama" or "dada" or even a simple "yaya" (which can come in handy if one is conversing in Norwegian:), but aside from that, actual words have eluded him. Until today.

He may have been saving this little treasure of a word until his first birthday because I picked him up this morning and out it came.

It was "hyena". Clear as day.
I'm so proud.

;)

A Joyful Soul

Joy is the great mystery of our time.
It's rare but
Some people are born with a spirit of joy.
Like you.
You aren't just mildly content or blandly happy.
You are exuberant and wild and sweet and mischievous.
Laughter dances in your eyes and bubbles up from your belly.
You wake up most mornings with a smile and joyful shrieks.
Life is exhilarating, hilarious, and exciting.
The world is wonderful for no reason other than that it exists.

I'm so thankful for you.
Thankful because you are a gift of light and hope.
A blessing of promise and goodness and more laughter than we expected.
An example of the power of prayer.

God bless you as you turn one year old tomorrow William. You are cherished. Your life has worth and beauty. Your spirit and heart are precious to the Lord.

Thank you beautiful boy for your great gift of joy.

Happy first birthday Baby. If angels danced the day you were born then you can bet they're still dancing now.