Epic Week Part Two: Birthday Boy

Last week I was mom to a little baby boy.

He gave me kisses...

Loved to play outside...

And was always getting into mischief. 

On Friday, I became mom to a "toddler." (Although he doesn't toddle quite yet...and Landon insists he is a baby until age two. Fine with me!)

He still gives kisses, plays outside, and has adventures.

It's funny, but it all seems different now. I look at him and I see this little boy, full of personality and independence. In my head I know that nothing physically changed on his first birthday, but in my heart there is a new, small kind of longing for that tiny sweet baby who relied on me for everything; who fit so perfectly in my arms.

Then again, there is excitement that this little boy I now call mine knows who I am. He knows his name. He is learning and growing and feeling and loving every single day, and I get to be part of that.

All the same, a piece of me will always miss my baby. He occupies a special place in my heart, and he'll stay there forever. I am overjoyed at the prospect that each year, my mother's heart will expand -- to keep the place of all the little Walt's that came before, and love each grown-up boy even more than the last.

Happy Birthday, baby. I cannot wait to see what's in store for you. We love you, Walter boy!