Happy birthday once again little Crystal!  I can’t believe another year has flown by and you are now in the terrific twos!  This past year has been so much fun watching you grow and change, transitioning into a full-fledged independent toddler, developing words and learning your likes and dislikes.

You have been able to count up to eight and learn some of your colors already!  The color purple has been a favorite of yours for some time followed by the color green or “geen” as you call it.

You have renamed your grandma and me to “Pop” or “Pop Pop” and “Maw Maw” or “Gum” which suits us just fine.  You don’t know how much it thrills our hearts to hear those words as you gently take our finger with your hand and exclaim “more, more!”

You just love the cartoon “Paw Patrol” and know the names of all the puppies in the show.  You love to play with the Little People princesses and cook but you also like to play with the tool box you got for Christmas.  I think you will be a person with many varied interests and ideas and I can’t wait to see these come out in the next several years.

We cherish every single moment we get to spend with you…for one thing is crystal clear…you are loved…even more as the years go by!!

 

Reflected below is the original post from last year…enjoy!!

Little Hands and Tiny Feet–One Year Later

Happy birthday little Crystal!  I can’t believe it has been a year since you arrived into our adult little world, changing us all and breathing in new life.  How the time has flown as you have grown from newborn, to infant and now toddler.

We call you the chameleon child for you have so many facial expressions that change in an instance, making you appear as different little girls; sometimes you look just like your mommy did at your age and sometimes more like your daddy in the eyes but you are always your unique self.  I cannot believe you still have your beautiful dark blue eyes while both of your parents have brown.  God truly made you special.

It is such a joy to see your little personality come forth, like a tightly wrapped rose bud beginning to open.  Your mischievous smile and those twinkling eyes betray your gentle persona.

Your grandma and I both count it a privilege to be able to live so close now and enjoy all the special little AND big moments in your life.  We will try hard not to spoil you too much but smother you with love and kisses…for one thing is crystal clear…you are loved…even more as the days go by!!

 

Reflected below is the original post from two years ago…enjoy!!

On January 31^st of 2015, I added another hat to life’s hat rack; that of being a new grandfather.  And as I ponder on what has transpired this past month, it has been nothing short of amazing how one small life can change the lives of so many others.

As this new twig has formed on our generational family tree and as this beautiful fragile bloom has blossomed in the dead of winter of our ordinary lives, so blossoms the hopes and prayers we all have for little Crystal Nicole.  For in the miracle of birth, all things are new, a blank slate presents itself to be scribed by the hilarity of life’s experiences.  And as a side benefit, we adult humans get to relive our childhood through the eyes of the child, to be rejuvenated by a simple giggle or an innocent goo.

The following lyrics were inspired by this beautiful imp who has completely imprinted upon my heart.

 

Little Hands and Tiny Feet

Written by Stephen R. Wilson

You came a little early but just in time for you

With reddish brown hair — eyes of deep blue,

From your small safe world to one filled with love

In your mama’s warm embrace and your daddy’s gentle hugs.

                                                                                Chorus:

Little hands and tiny feet

What will your future be,

For God has so much for you

His promises He brings,

For your journey has just begun

And your life is full of hope,

This one thing is crystal clear

You are loved.

Maybe you will follow your mommy

And try to fill her big shoes,

Influencing young lives and growing minds too

A teacher with grace and so much love to give,

Knowing we only have one life to live.

Perhaps like your daddy you will be

Inquisitive about life and all that it brings,

Embracing the riches of life’s simple things

Whether it is fishing, shooting or digging for treasure

His devotion to you cannot be measured.

Chorus:

Little hands and tiny feet

What will your future be,

For God has so much for you

His promises He brings,

For your journey has just begun

And your life is full of hope,

This one thing is crystal clear

You are loved.

You see it really does not matter who you turn out to be

As long as you follow in the steps of the One,

For He will direct your paths and lead the way

To make you the woman you are destined to become.

So enjoy your little life with all its’ pleasures

Run and play, giggle and laugh, be a kid inside forever,

Love with all your heart, your loved ones around you

For with wrinkle-wrapped eyes we are watching you too,

With broad smiles, love-filled hearts and high hopes for your future

It has become crystal clear—you are loved!

Chorus:

Little hands and tiny feet

What will your future be,

For God has so much for you

His promises He brings,

For your journey has just begun

And your life is full of hope,

This one thing is crystal clear

You are loved.

Photograph by Joy Davis Photography