This time last year....

This time last year, I was 6 days past my due date, excitedly waiting for my little man to make his appearance.  I had no clue I'd be waiting 5 days longer to hold my sweet son.  The moment he was born is so permanently and beautifully etched in my mind, it was the most magical moment of my entire life.  Jackson is turning 1yr in 5 days! Its hard to believe this 1st year has gone so quickly.  Some days I miss his newborn snuggles so much! But this new season of him walking, climbing, playing peekaboo,  chasing the dogs, and hearing the words Mama and Dada fill our days with such joy.  I can't believe my little baby is swiftly leaving babyhood, but the adventure each day brings makes me so excited to watch him grow up.

Sometimes I'm still so much in awe that I'm a mama.  We wanted Jackson for so long, but aside from the 13 months it took trying to get pregnant with him, I feel like my whole life prior was steps leading me to this very season. Since I was a little girl, I always wanted to be a wife and mother.  I was the child, playing with dolls, creating barbie families, and constantly babysitting.  I dreamed of my own family someday often, and I'm thankful that the reality of those dreams is even better than I had imagined.

This time last year, I was waiting to meet my son.  Today, as he approaches his 1st birthday, I find myself playing the waiting game again.  In less than 2 weeks we'll be finding out what the gender of our bouncing baby #2.  Baby#2 is already such a real part of the family to Josh and I, but once finding out the gender, baby#2 will take on a name, James or Nora, little brother or little sister, son or daughter. The anticipation of planning Jackson's birthday party and also waiting to find out gender has had me giddy with excitement for weeks.  August is such a milestone for our family this year! :-)

Dear Jackson, 

My sweet boy! We made it through your 1st year! How did it fly by so fast? I remember the 1st time I saw your face, the 1st time we heard you laugh, the 1st time you reached for me, and the 1st time you said Mama, so vividly. You've added a beauty to my life this past year, that I can hardly remember living without. Since the day we found out we were expecting you, you've been your own little man.  You have learned new things and entered new stages at your own pace- lighting fast! You live each day 100%.  Daddy and I are so proud of you and can't wait to see where your passion and determination takes you.  Jesus loves you even more than Daddy and I do, and I'm so thankful to get to watch you grow and see the path God has for you. Right now, you're our little musician in the making! You love music and all instruments.  During worship practice at church, you're typically up on the stage playing with the drums. You soak up everything Daddy shows you and you're quick to want to try it.  Your belly laughs are my favorite.  Your slobbery baby kisses are the best.  Your sweet little hugs melt my heart.  You're my little man, and I love you to the moon and back. 

Happy Birthday Baby, 
Mama