For my 8.5 month old Daughter Hazel, though she can’t read yet. 

When you were born it was almost unbelievable.
At one month you were absolutely beautiful.
At two months I was completely in love.
At three months I just couldn’t get enough.
At four I was starting to adore.
At five I just wanted to see you more.
At six you started getting character.
At seven I thought “why do I deserve her?”.
At eight months old you’re unbelievable again.
And when you turn 9 months old you’ll be my friend.

You’re growing so fast, every new day is quickly the past.

Never in my life have I been as happy and content as when your mom and I had you.
And every new day I’m surprised to learn that you expand my heart, you do.

God puts us through trials and pain, or sometimes just the slow lane.
But then he breaks your denial, shows you why you need rain, and proves you’re not insane.

He gives you reason to live.
He gives you reason to love.
He keeps our mind set on things above.

Life doesn’t get easier.
Life doesn’t somehow slow down and give in.
Through experience and effort we learn how to win.
But first, and most importantly, we learn what winning is.
Its about community, church, family, friends, and this:
It isn’t about money, attention, or fame.
It’s about loving your spouse and raising kids in your name.

There will always be some strange excuse to be mad.
Some overblown reaction to an experience gone bad.
But deep down where it matters, in the long term; big picture.
We have contentment in Christ, our hanging light fixture.

And Christ gave me you, to demonstrate that.
That he’s gracious, and loving, and will never change that.
And Christ gave you Me, to do my best to show you him.
That you might see him in me when your light’s looking dim.