To Baker, Love Anna Kathryn

A very special thank you to my beautiful friend, Anna Kathryn, for such a special letter to my Baker Boy.

 

Her heart is unparalleled. She has offered her ears, and her shoulder, and her smile countless times. I love this lady.

 

Dear Baker Bell,

 

I cannot believe it's time to celebrate your 1st Birthday. You entered the world a little early, but that was okay with me, because I couldn't wait to meet you! You were so tiny and perfect and you made the world a better place on May 11, 2012!

Words cannot express how blessed we all are to be a part of your life! You have taught us so much about love, strength, and determination. Your smile lights up the room and you can "Ham it up" like no other! Your momma is going to have to fight off the ladies sooner rather than later!

I am so excited to see what God has in store for you, and I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with you Baker Boy!

 

 

XOXOXO,

Aunt AK

To Baker, Love Lauren, Clint, Dunkin, and Elly

Elly may have been Baker's first girlfriend.

And her daddy may tell it differently, but I think she was the one coming onto him.

They were in the Turtle Room together at school.

And all day, back and forth they rocked in the swing.

And sang, and talked, and were the sweetest friends.

We even caught them holding hands a few times!

She's a precious girl, with a precious brother, and the greatest parents.

Her mommy, Lauren, is especially wonderful about sharing Dunkin's oh-so-fabulous hand-me-downs and we are especially grateful!

Especially!

Dear BakeBake (what Dunkin calls you),

What a joy it has been to watch you grow over the past year! Your smile is contagious and has stolen the hearts of so many people, including my family. I can’t tell you the joy your smile brought to us each morning when we greeted you at school, and I know my little Elly has a special love for her buddy Baker! Her face lights up whenever we talk about you. Baker, you sure are a gift from God. God has already used you in so many wonderful ways, and I know that this is just the beginning. God has big plans for you buddy! I can’t wait to see you grow over the next years. I know you are going to be one amazing little dude! Dunkin and Elly are super lucky to have you as a friend.

Clint, Lauren, Dunkin, and Elly

To Baker, Love Kristen

My friend Kristen is the one who has always gone before me.

 

She was born in October, me in November. She started Englewood Elementary in Kindergarten, me in First Grade. She had first boyfriends and first kisses and even started college our senior year of high school. She has always led the way, and done it beautifully. We look to her to see how she's done it, and try our best to do it a fraction as well as her. It made sense for her to become a mommy first, and I am oh so glad she did. She is a gorgeous mother to the most precious blonde haired, non-stop talking, dinosaur-loving two year old. I have called her for everything, and she has assured me along the way.

 

Words cannot express my love, admiration, and respect for her.
And the best part, she loves my boy.

 

 

Sweet Baker,

What a joy you are! The first time I got to hold you I remember thinking how tiny, fragile, and beautiful you were. Fast forward 12 months and you are oh so fabulously chubby (especially those knee dimples that deserve their very own birthday party!), so strong, and still so beautiful! I've gotten to steal a few precious kisses from you and witness many a gleaming smile. I'm always so humbled when I'm around you because I feel like God constantly shows himself to us through you. Through your sweet face, your happy demeanor, and just how you embody countless answered prayers. You, Baker Boy, have insprired so many in your first 365 days that I can only imagine what great big things our God has planned for you! I'm so honored to pray for you and watch you grow and look forward to celebrating lots of birthdays and big days to come!

 

All my love,

Kristen

Job 33:4 "The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty has given me life."

To Baker, Love Jenny

In light of his upcoming birthday, I asked a few special friends and family members to share something on Baker's behalf - a letter, a picture, a special memory, a scripture - something we could compile to share with Baker when he gets older.

 

My precious friend, Jenny, went first. Our lives have been crazy blessed by her friendship.

 

Baker,

What a blessing you have been to so many. I feel honored because I was able to tell your parents that they were having a baby boy. I remember it like it happened yesterday. I bought a pink beanie for a girl and a football beanie for a boy. I was so excited to share this special memory with your Mom and Dad. The look on your parent's faces after they found out you would be wearing the football beanie was worth a thousand words. Mom and Dad came back several times to watch their baby boy grow. As special as it was to watch you grow in your Momma's tummy it has been more special watching you grow in this past year. Your smile and laughter is so contagious. Not only are you the happiest baby I know but you just might be the cutest too. I look forward to watching you grow into a handsome young man of God.

Love you,

Jenny

 

Stay tuned for more love letters and sweet wishes for Baker.

I am so thankful for special friends doing this - committing their time, sharing in my son's life, and creating a keepsake we will forever cherish.