July 30, 2019 changed my life forever. A whole new level of my heart was opened up the moment one little boy's head was on my chest. I didn't even know how much more love I could contain, and as each month passes, I keep finding that it just grows and grows.
So to celebrate our little blessing's first year on this Earth, I've compiled a collage of images. Let me explain the content below:
First of all, I've put Landon's monthly images in order starting at newborn and ending at 12 months. All were taken on the 30th of each month (except for his 7 month image because, well, February...). I think he grew the most between 1 and 2 months, and 10 and 11 months. What do you think?
Next, we have a compilation of images from his "Under the Sea" birthday party. I can't continue without giving a HUGE thank you to Landon's grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins that helped make his special day EXACTLY what I had pictured in my mind. From the Uncles' Snow Cone stand to the nautical memories table, everything was perfect. We had great weather, great company, great food...
Landon liked finger painting with his cake much more than eating it. In fact, not a single bite did he put in his mouth. But that's ok because he helped mommy snack on delicious leftover "shark bite" cupcakes by the amazing Kim Kiefer.
And finally, we have some images from Landon's mini one-year photoshoot. He was a little hesitant to smile because he was still feeling crummy from his one-year shots...until he found a neat rock. *face to palm* Oh well, I suppose being a boy-mom means picture props are now rocks! (yes, I kept it...)
I would normally start to explain how much this little boy means to me, but instead, I'm going to do something that's never been done before in a TAL blog. I'm going to introduce a guest author; the only other person who could write about the incredible journey the past year has been. Although he says he's not a writer, some words are easier to express when they come straight from the heart. Ladies and gents, it's none other than Mr. Josh Turner. Here are his thoughts as he was rocking our baby on the night of his first birthday:
Wow.
Just incredible.
Amazing.
A blessing.
Joyful.
Pure love.
Nothing else like it.
Time goes so fast. Where has time gone?
“Our little boy isn’t going to be little very long”.
I hope you don’t even know much about COVID-19 and what chaos it caused. I have been working from home since the first week of March 2020 and we are supposed to go back to work in September, but now that is seeming very unlikely to happen since the virus is ramping back up. The world has been flipped upside down, but one huge positive in me working from home has meant so much more time with you in your first year of life whereas I would have never gotten this much time. What a blessing in disguise. Also, as of the latest numbers, fifty something million people have lost their jobs due to this virus, but I actually just got a promotion about a week and a half ago.
He just keeps giving and giving. He started with so little, but oh how the Lord multiplies
Both of these blessings have been nothing but the Lord and I thank Him so much for them.
Mommy just got done showering while I rocked you to sleep after letting you cry yourself sleepier by leaving you in the crib a little bit. We think it helps you sleep all night. Here I sit typing this out on my iPhone XS occasionally looking down at you in pure admiration.
Mommy just came in, put your Owlet on, kissed you goodnight, and told you goodnight and Happy Birthday one last time for the night. I just told her that I really want to write something, but I don’t know what to say. I still don’t really, so I thought I would just write (type) down my thoughts:
Where in the world has the time already gone? I have a lump in my throat as I type this trying not to cry. Time truly does go by so fast. In one manner, it seems like you’ve always been here and in another, it seems like you just got here. I know we all do, but I really don’t want to take time or you or your mom or anything for granted. You don’t get these times back. Before long, you probably won’t want to be rocked to sleep. Sometimes it seems that it’s a burden to have to do it...I know I’ll regret that one day, even now, and wish I could rock you and your whole little body fit in my arms just one more time.
You truly have been one of the greatest joys in my entire life. My parents, specially my mom (Mammy) and Grandpa Jim told me I’ll understand the love they have for me and your Uncle Brison one of these days when I have a kid. I feel like I have figured it out and you’re a year old. My...what a feeling. It’s hard to describe. I want to just soak every moment with you in. Hearing you yell, "Dada!" and try to find me during meetings for work, or when I’m sleeping, or outside... it’s one of the greatest feelings in the world. I never want to miss that and let it just slip by me without soaking it in.
Sometimes work or mowing or whatever seems to take priority, but I’d give it all up in a heartbeat to have you and these experiences. I just hope I balance both appropriately. I truly do. I thank God so much for the blessing of you. You’re so much more than I ever could have imagined and this last year has been quite the adventure. An adventure of a lifetime and I thank the Lord for it.
Marrying your mom, feeling the presence of the Lord /getting baptized, and having you top my list of the most memorable life experiences I’ve ever had. Mommy and I prayed for a baby for quite a while and the first couple didn’t work out. We would have loved them tremendously too, but I know the Lord gave us you for a reason. I pray He continues to help me and your mom to bring you up in the ways of Him and His Word. None of this is possible without Him. Never ever forget that.
It’s almost midnight and therefore your first birthday is almost over. Again, time just flies by. I’ve been crying for quite some time typing this now. Not even sad or happy tears. I think more just thankful ones.
A year ago today, mine and mommy’s lives changed dramatically and forever for the best. There have been amazing and not-so-amazing times, but I wouldn’t trade any of them for the entire world. I could just keep typing and typing all the thoughts I have, but for now I’m gonna squeeze you tight, hug you, kiss you, tell you Happy Birthday, tell you how much I love you, and lay you down to sleep to mark an end to your first year. I hope I never forget these times and I hope we can share these thoughts, stories, and memories again together when you’re a little older.
You have no idea how much you mean to me and your mom. We truly do love you beyond words. Goodnight, my sweet little daddy’s boy. You and mommy are my world. I love you so much.
Thank You Lord...for Your blessings on me
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