Happy First Birthday Kaid!

^^^ This made me laugh 🙂 Little cutie pie!!

One year ago today, at 8:32 AM, the sweetest baby boy in the world was born. With blue eyes, and a calm disposition, my heart overflowed with an indescribable love yet again. I had the honor of experiencing the beauty of a mother’s love for the second time.
Every moment from the day I first held my Kaid, my love has only grown. He has completed our family with characteristics we didn’t realize we needed more of. He is hardly one, yet he’s taught me more than I ever could have imagined. My world shines brighter, and I’ve learned to love deeper simply by knowing him. I don’t know what the future holds, but I am overjoyed to think of what my son will accomplish in his life. I pray he brings God great glory!

His full name is Kaiden Charles Krabill. In honor of his very first birthday, I’m going to be sharing the letter I wrote to my dad and gave to him the day Kaid was born. In case you don’t know, my husband and I, (and Haven and Kaid too!) love my dad immensely. He has been one of our greatest sources of encouragement and strength as we began our family. We were so excited to surprise him with Kaiden’s middle name last October 18th.

Here is the letter we read to him at the hospital:

Dear Dad,

If you’re reading this, then that means Kaiden is on his way. We’ve spent many days and nights anticipating this day, and waiting for this moment, when we could finally meet him face to face. You’re getting ready to hold Kaiden for the first time, and so I wanted to let you know the meaning of his full name. Kaiden means strong warrior, and we chose it because we know our children are going to be up against a lot in their generation. Our prayer is that he would grow up to be brave, and fearless in the pursuit of seeking and saving the lost.

There’s something even more special about his name that has brought me to tears time and time again. And that is his middle name. Since I was a little girl, you’ve always talked to me about the legacy we will leave behind. And I know you never had your dad to look up to, and it breaks my heart to think we both knew such different “Charles Moulton’s” in our lifetimes. But when I think of the name Charles, here’s what I think of:
He is a man who always makes sure his family is taken care of. A man who brings joy and laughter to those he is around. A man who is strong, and bold. A man who is generous, kind, and intentional. Someone who loves unconditionally, but isn’t afraid to speak the truth. Someone who stands for what he believes, and doesn’t waver. Someone who is both a fierce protector, yet a gentle and encouraging man. Most of all when I think of the Charles I know, I think of the most godly man I’ve ever known. I’ve seen you at your highest and lowest points, and I mean it when I say your character is truly unmatched by anyone I know. The love of Christ is so evident in you, and both Tanner and I have been immensely impacted, and changed because of it.

We decided there was no better name for our son than Kaiden Charles Krabill. He is our strong warrior, and free man. We know he will adore you, and look up to you as he grows, and we are excited to watch him do so.

Thank you for who you are. I’m honored to have you as my dad, and cannot begin to express the joy it brings me to write this to you. You changed the pattern of a negative legacy, to one of a strong, godly heritage. You’re my hero, dad. I love you so, so much. And now I can finally say, come meet your grandson.

Love always, Tay

Oh how we love you Kaiden Charles Krabill. Happiest of birthdays to you our sweet boy. We will celebrate your precious life forever.