October 31, 2014, I receive a call from my mom that Andrea's water had broke and they were headed downtown Zeeland to take Ian trick-or-treating to try and progress things. I was severely depressed from loosing my job the day before and a man walking out on me leaving me hanging in many aspects, mainly more financial debt, but also heartache. I didn't join them because I wasn't in the mood, I was too wrapped up in self pity and feeling numb not even knowing what to do, where to go, anything. I was in a dark and very depressed state. Much to the surprise of all of us, Annalise decided (well, God decided) to enter this world prior to her due date and the day after I lost my job. I was an Auntie again, a job that I love more than anything!!!! And to a precious, sweet, innocent, beautiful baby girl. A gift from above.
God had a perfect plan, He knew when she would be born. He knew I was going to loose my job and I also believe He knew how He was going to use Annalise to draw me back to Him. If you've read parts of my blog you will know that my faith was struggling at best. I had drifted away and now I was in a deep, dark valley. Annalise was that light at the end of the tunnel, that sunshine in my day, that gift from above...perfectly timed.
I consumed myself with her, because when I did that, I didn't have to think about how drastically my life was spinning out of control. I could hold her and love on her and just be Auntie Ky to this precious new babe. I was blessed to see a number of "firsts" in Annalise's life, her first bath, her baby pics and so much more. I was blessed to be able to have a number of "sleep overs" with her, so that her mommy and daddy could get some much needed rest. Those moments I will cherish for my entire life. I can't thank Kyle & Andrea enough for allowing me to be a part of those special memories. As I type, I am flooded with so many amazing memories from the last year. I'm in shock that you are 1 and can't believe how incredibly fast this past year has gone. But as I reflect, I can't hold back the tears and smile because we've shared so much together, much thanks to Kyle & Andrea again for allowing me to be that 5th wheel of their family many, many times. I've been blessed beyond measure to watch you grow and blossom into the sweet, sweet little girl that you are becoming.
Well, this little girl had her Auntie Ky wrapped around her finger from the moment I saw her. We shared a bond that I truly can't put into words. PLEASE don't get me wrong, I love Ian to death, but this was different with Annalise. God used her to slowly break down the wall that I had put up, blocking my faith in Him. God had a plan, I just never would have imagined He would use Annalise to draw me back to Him (well, and the prayers of many).
I can't begin to explain to you how much this precious girl means to me. I love her with a love that I didn't know was possible. I pray that she will feel the same bond with me, as I do with her and that as she continues to grow, our relationship would bring us even closer.
My dear sweet Annalise~
I pray that we would have a very close, full of love relationship as you continue to grow up. I pray that God would use me and that I might be an example to you. I pray that through my love for you, you would see God's love for you and seek Him with all your heart. You truly mean the world to me. You brighten my days and put a smile on my face every time. You fill my heart with joy and make my heart smile. You brighten even my darkest days with your smile and love. I love your hugies, snuggles and kisses and your precious little wave. I love the "girl time" we've had and our little chats...though we are still working on you saying Auntie, or something close! I believe God has a plan for you and for me and I'm so excited to see what the future holds. May you always, always, always know how very much I love you from the very bottom of my heart. You are cherished beyond words.....love you forever and always, Auntie Ky
