Another ONE for the Books

Dear Landon,

One year ago today, you came into this world three weeks early and just as perfect as you could be. In an instant, I loved all seven pounds and five ounces of you and you filled a part of my heart that will forever be consumed with overflowing love for you. Since that hot day in July, you have taught me the true meaning of what it means to live. Not for myself, not for my husband, but to live for you and your sister. I have tried so hard over the past year to show you that there is not one thing in this world I would not do for you. I have been scared of the unknown, overcome with joy, sad when you were in pain, and mad when I couldn't make it go away. You have taught and retaught me the definition of sacrifice and for that I will always be thankful. I have always lived for tomorrow and am finally learning how to live for today, with many thanks to you. Your huge smile, your contagious laugh, your heaviness, the way you crawl right to the dirt when we play outside...your toughness that proves you are a Wilkinson, your blonde curly hair that gets lighter by the minute, your busy one-year-old self that can never seem to sit still, the way you yell when you don't get your way, the determination in your eyes when Mommy tells you "no". All of these things have given me a new outlook on life. One that I never imagined having. An outlook and perspective that I only dreamed about when I was a little girl.

I wanted to be the mother that carried her baby around on her hip all the time. Now I am. I wanted to be the mother that sang to her children constantly so that over time her voice would soothe them. Now I am. I wanted to be the mother who showed so much love to her children that they had a ton to give away themselves. Now I am. I wanted to be the parent who always put her children first, no matter what the circumstances. Now I am. I wanted to be the one with tears streaming down my face every time you reached a new milestone. Now I am. I wanted to be the Mom that always had her kids with me...whether at the grocery store, the mall, or the sidewalk. Now, I am. I wanted to be the mother who made certain that her children grow up surrounded by love, discipline, tenderness, and fun. Now I am. I wanted so badly to grow up and be a mother and I have been more than blessed to be your mother. Words could never describe how much you mean to me, but I hope you know that no matter what life brings you, your mother will always be a hug, phone call, or hallway away...

I love you baby boy!

Love always,
Your Mommy