Can you believe it? Can you believe a whole year has flown by since our 5 lb 3 oz miracle made her grand appearance? I.Cannot.Believe.It. Little Jayla has taught our family so much.

Her early arrival taught us how to love and be loved. It helped us look to our creator in all situations.  It is true that understanding did not come easy as our precious baby girl was separated from us after she inhaled her first breath. It was difficult to be joyful while we were away from our three older blessings for what seemed like an eternity. And peace seemed to exit our inner beings each time we left sweet Jayla in that sterile somewhat, in a strange way, comforting NICU. Temperance screamed my name the first moment I saw her in that NICU isolette. Do you even realize how much self-control it took not to grab her up and embrace her? She looked so tiny. So frail. So beautiful. So perfect. Our creator makes no mistakes!

Despite the doubts, fears, and hurdles we have crossed these last 365 days, our precious gift from our Father in Heaven has taught her whole family how to be content and joyful in all situations.

Through it all, our Heavenly Father has been so faithful. He held our hands through all of our fears and doubts. He comforted us. He strengthened us. He loved us. As quickly as the peace and understanding fled, the Holy Spirit restored it through verses, pastors, family, friends, nurses, and doctors. This past year, He has sent people to encourage us at exactly the right times!

Yes! Miss Jayla is an amazing gift from above. Through Christ’s love, she has taught us to take each day a little slower, love a little harder, and laugh a little longer. It is with great joy that we say Happy 1st Birthday to our fourth miracle! The tiny miracle that was sent to teach us how to ALWAYS look to our Father above. For He has all the answers. Faith. That’s all it takes. Faith.

Her birthday muffin was delicious!

Opening the baby doll Jacob bought her!

She loves her new puppy, Violet!

 Thank you Lord for sweet Baby Jayla!

Hebrews 11:6 – “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”