Happy 1st Birthday Landon!

My sweet little Landon…how fast this past year went by!  They say that time flies when you are having fun, and you have certainly proved that rule.  It’s funny now to look at you and wonder how on earth you haven’t been part of our lives longer, but the truth is I think you may have always been a part of our life.

When I was a little girl I knew I wanted to be a mother.  When I became a mom, the love I felt for your brother (and feel for your brother) was so big it hurt at times.  I often looked at him when I was pregnant with you and wondered how on earth I could possibly love another little person as much and as deeply as I loved him.  I didn’t know where I would find room for more love.

God knew.

You see I don’t think you find room, I think there is a space that is already there, empty, waiting for you to fill it up.  On your birth day I was blessed with two amazing gifts.  The first gift came the instant you were placed onto my chest.  In that moment what I can remember feeling the most was this amazing warmth spreading through my whole body.  My love for you filled a space equal to your brothers with a love so intense, so palpable I feel it with each beating rhythm.

I will never forget on the day you were born your brother came to the hospital to meet you.  Do you know he used to talk to you in my belly?  He would talk of wanting to teach you to play cars, share his toys and read books.  The way he held you in his arms and shhh’d you so you wouldn’t cry, was the sweetest moment.  He said over and over again, “it’s okay, it’s me brother.”  That day he met you for the first time you gave me my second gift.

I watched Lijah slowly walk into the room, his eyes danced with excitement, and as he saw you for the first time the warmth that I felt when you were placed on my chest was back.  I watched as your brother fell instantly in love with you.  I had spent the past seven years in love with that boy, but watching him as he saw you for the first time was like falling in love with my first baby all over again.

On your birthday today, Lijah held out his arms for you and of course you reciprocated.  You laid your head on his shoulder and just stayed still, it was a moment I will remember forever.  The brotherly love between the two of you is undescribable. 

I am the mother to two amazing and special little boys and I knew then you would bring joy wherever you went.

And boy oh boy are you full of joy.  Everyone loves to comment on how happy of a baby you are, how sweet and loving you are.  I’ve soaked in the moments you laugh and giggle with your brother.  Seeing your love grow and blossom has brought more joy to me then I could ever even express. 

 

Your curiosity and precociousness has kept me on my toes.  Admittedly I thought that I would have a lot of been there done that what with you being my second little boy, but just as I was surprised by the instantaneous love I felt on the day you were born, I am always surprised by the unique outlook and joy you have.  Everyday you surprise me, delight me, teach me, and inspire me.

I once heard another mother say “Happy Birth Day” referring to the day that was not only a child’s birthday, but the day that the family was blessed with new life.  Your birth day will always remind me of the birth of my second son who taught me that life is bigger than what you think you know and full of surprises.  Thank you sweet boy for brightening our days with your joyful soul.

I love you forever and always!