Now is the time!: June 2014

It happened. Our baby officially turned one earlier this month, and this mama really can't believe it's been over a year since our little (or actually rather big!) baby entered this world. I will never forget the joy that entered my life the moment Wesley was born! I never imagined we'd have a blond hair, blue-eyed baby, yet now I can't imagine it any other way. :)

This past year has been a whirlwind in many ways. We experienced the greatest joy of new life and the deepest pain of loss. Through it all, God has remained faithful in sustaining and providing for us day in and day out. I can not express enough just how much we've relied on Christ throughout this past year. Through the joyful times we have thanked him (though probably not nearly enough), and through the difficult times we have clung desperately to him. He is our everything, and we would be completely and utterly lost without him!

Having a baby is more life-changing than I could have ever previously imagined. It alters your lifestyle, your mindset, your priorities, your schedule, and everything in between (just read this article and this article about motherhood). I believe it is the greatest privilege and the greatest challenge. I'm so honored God chose me to be Wesley's mommy, but when I think about the pressures of raising him in a world that's full of sin and a lack of God, I am easily overwhelmed. That's when I have to take a deep breath and remind myself that I am not in this alone. I have the most amazing husband, who also happens to be the most amazing daddy. I have the love and support of family members and friends who also love Jesus. And most importantly, I have Christ. He sustains us, he guides us, he helps us, he encourages us, and he reminds us that this life is not about us.

As I rock Wesley every night before bed, Bill comes in, and we each pray out loud over him. That is one of my most cherished times of the entire day. We pray that our son will know and love Christ with all his heart one day and that as his parents, we would have the wisdom and discernment to raise him in a way pleasing to God. I know there will be times when we simply won't get it right. We will mess up (probably a lot more than I would care to think), but that is where grace comes in. I pray we would demonstrate grace and forgiveness toward one another, just as Christ demonstrates it to us on a daily basis.

Day to day life with a one year old can certainly be exhausting, but I never want to forget the joy that comes with each day. This child makes me smile and laugh multiple times daily. His hugs, and more recently his kisses, absolutely melt my heart. He's our sweet, inquisitive, determined (he knows what he wants!), silly, very active, and happy little boy. He keeps me on my toes, and he has completely stolen my heart.

At one year, Wesley is standing on his own and walking along furniture (he's actually taken two tiny steps on his own), climbing, clapping, waving, pointing, and making a "touchdown" with his arms. He's babbling all the time, and his words include, dada, mama, ball, hi, bye bye, and uh (for uh-oh). He also points and says "dat" for "that" constantly. He just wants to know what everything is! He loves being outside, playing in water and swimming, reading books, being tickled and held upside down, going down his slide, hugging his stuffed animals, throwing balls, banging on things, pointing to lights, getting into the tupperware cabinet, climbing on Scarlett, and pretty much making a mess wherever he can.

At 12 months, Wesley is just under 24 lbs, and he is 31.5 inches tall. He remains our tall, lean little guy! He loves to eat, and much like his momma, there isn't a whole lot he doesn't like. He's also still a great sleeper (thank you Lord!). He takes two good naps a day, and we put him to bed a little after 7 each night. He loves his schedule, and we really try to stick with it, while being flexible when there's a need.

This past year has been the best and craziest of my life. I've had my fair share of ups and downs throughout the process, but I wouldn't change it. I'm learning and growing each new day as I try and figure out this ever evolving role as "Mom." Wesley is teaching me so much, and he is most definitely one of the greatest blessings in our lives. Happy, happy birthday to our favorite one year old! We love you so much, sweet boy!!

P.S. Stay tuned for part two of Wesley's birthday for all the details and pics from his fun Clifford themed birthday party!!