Team Schuurman: ONE YEAR OLD!

     Today is Marcus' FIRST birthday, hopefully of many. It's hard to believe a year has gone by so quickly! Last year, once we got to the hospital, I got to 10cm quickly, but as most of you know, he wasn't coming out the "natural" way. Even though we endured a difficult c-section, we wouldn't have changed anything. He's been a JOY to our lives and fills our heart with more love each day.
     Yesterday, some close family and "Asheville" family came over for his birthday party. Aunt Liv made him an unbelievable chocolate cake (even his own smash cake) and we enjoyed chick-fil-a nuggets and other snacks. Marcus' favorite part about the whole day seemed to be the balloons. He kept oohing and aahing when he saw them, hitting them at any chance. He played with the children in attendance and LOVES the many books and toys that he received.
     After his party, we went to UNCA with Mark's parents, Uncle TJ, and Aunt Liv. We enjoyed time out in the AMAZING Fall weather, met other new Bulldog Babies, and then watched Daddy pitch! He went 3 up, 3 down, pitching better than last year! The old guy still has it! (just kidding honey!) After the game was over, we toured the new basketball stadium then had supper.
     When we came home, we were BLESSED to have Seth, Rebecca, and 4 year old Luke Denton stay with us. That little Luke is an absolute TRIP and he brought such joy to our home. Seth and Rebecca are dear friends and even though we all stayed up waaaaaaaaaaay too late, we loved our time to talk and be with them.
     Now, it's 8pm and I just put Marcus to bed. I was crying before I even started rocking him, thinking about how quickly time passes, how fast he's growing up, and how THANKFUL I am to God for blessing Mark and I with a child. The Bible says children are a reward from God and I don't feel worthy of such a gift, but if He chose me to be Marcus' mommy, and Mark to be his daddy, we will gladly take and raise him to further the kingdom of God. As I type this, Marcus is chatting up a storm in his room. Singing, talking, and overall making any kind of noise he can, including kicking the side of his bed. He's big for 1. Big in the sense that he has a big personality, big/strong will, and a big heart, not to mention he's bigger than most 18 month olds we come across, but that's another story.
     Jesus Christ is THE LIGHT of my life and He is my first priority. Mark Schuurman is a close second, being the best husband a wife could ever want and one I don't deserve. But not far behind in 3rd place, is the world's cutest little toe-headed, baseball throwing, strong-willed, balloon-loving little boy (and he's ALL BOY) named Marcus Paul Schuurman.

WE LOVE YOU MARCUS!