Emily is 12 months old and we made another trip to the pediatrician. At this visit she weighed in at 16 lbs 6 oz. and 29 inches long. We were very surprised at Emily’s weight loss over the last three months. The doctor was concerned and reweighed Emily twice. After discussing Emily’s eating habits, her activities and personality he decided not to do any testing and see what happens in the next month. His goal for Emily is to gain one pound in one month and if she doesn’t then we will have some testing done.

Emily has been a great eater, loves to play, and is very happy not to mention having grown one inch in the last three months. We will have to wait to see what happens at the next visit. I’m resisting the urge to feed Emily a lot of food high in fat to artificially increase her weight. My plan is just to feed Emily a consistent diet so that we don’t mask some other problem if there is one. Emily had three shots finishing out two shot sequences and starting a new one. These were as unpleasant as shots are normally for her. We will go back to the doctor for a weight check next month. Other than the weight issue her next visit will be at 15 months.

With Emily’s first birthday I have been thinking a lot on what has changed and happened this past year. We have had so many firsts this year which remind us what a blessing from God that Emily has been for us. We waited and He provided.

Over this past year she got to see snow, the beach, two oceans, mountains, zoo animals, Lady Vols basketball games, and many family members. She was able to experience swimming, flying in an airplane, riding in a boat, riding a street car, sharing her joy through her smile with countless people, seeing many sights from a front pack, and traveling to and through a lot of states. She has learned to hold up her head, smile, laugh, roll over, sit up, crawl, stand up, hold a bottle, eat solid food, feed herself, communicate with mommy and daddy, and the beginnings of walking.

While these things are not unique things for the first year of a newborn, it has been so significant in our lives. We have seen a new creation start the cycle of growing, learning, and then changing to just start it over again with growing. As Robby and I have taken such joy in watching this cycle in Emily, our Heavenly Father has taken the same delight in us. As I grow and learn and look to God to teach me, I find myself changing and starting the cycle again.

Emily looks to me to teach and guide her, to comfort and sooth her. As I fulfill my role for Emily all I can do is to imitate what God does for me and pray that He guides me. We are grateful for our blessing and look forward to the next year of wonder and the new firsts we will see in her.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ~ Matthew 19:14

Happy Birthday to You!, originally uploaded by Robby Edwards.

Today is Emily’s first birthday.

While we were visiting my parents for Christmas, we had a pre-birthday party for her. Grandma made cupcakes and as you can see from the remnants, Emily demolished hers in no time.

Happy Birthday Emily! Daddy hopes her special day is wonderful.