Luke Is ONE!

I remember when I was very pregnant with Luke, I confessed to a friend that I wasn't sure that I knew how to be a momma to a baby boy. I had no idea how I could ever love a son the same way I love my daughter. I will never forget her response. She started to reassure me, but then her eyes filled with tears, and for a moment, she couldn't speak. I think the intensity of her love for her own son overwhelmed her, and finally, all she could say was, "that little boy is going to steal your heart."

Tomorrow will mark the one year anniversary of the birth of our Luke Austin Persinger, who just so happens to be the sweetest, most joyful little boy I've ever laid my eyes on. His big, squinty-eyed grin, the way he wraps his tiny arms around my neck each morning, his big, mouth-wide-open kisses, his 7 crooked little teeth, his love for cake (whoops, he's had it too soon!), his early signs of a compassionate heart, his constant attempts to keep up with his big sister, and his contagious laughter have all been the blessings that make my cup overflow.

We've celebrated a lot this year - we celebrated the moment Dr. Carpenter put him in my arms, each milestone (rolling over, crawling, pulling up), his first words (mama or dada or banana - depending on who you ask!), a new home, a new job, and of course, all of the holidays in between, and now it's time to celebrate his first birthday. I'm filled with nothing but gratitude for all that we've been given in the past year, and I can say one thing with certainty: my friend was right - Luke has absolutely, without a doubt, stolen my heart. My sweet Luke. Oh, I love him!

This verse always comes to mind when I think about the incredible gifts we've been given, and it seems appropriate to remember it again today:

"From the fullness of His grace, we have received one blessing after another."

Happiest birthday to one of these precious blessings! :)

My heart isn't the only one Luke stole!

Those first few moments are so sweet!

So sweet!

Brand new baby.

Luke meets his big sister! (She doesn't know what to think!)

Luke with his Papi and Marmie!

Luke meets his Papa - and loves him right away!

Luke is all snuggled up with his Papa, Nonna, and Sarah Claire!

That face...

The best nurse, LaTonya!