Castle by the Cape: November 2014

It's Christmas time, and it really is the most wonderful time of the year! Matt and I truly love and embrace each season, but there is something special, maybe sacred, about this time of year. I grew up with certain traditions that I want to pass on to my own family. Decorating a tree, baking all of our neighbors homemade cookies, looking forward to family coming in from out of town, making "reindeer food" with my mom and sister, opening pajamas on Christmas eve... just to name a few. All of these traditions I've made with my friends and family hold such a special place in my heart.

Since becoming parents, Matt and I have talked about developing our own traditions within our family that our kids can look forward to each year. Last Christmas, Walter was just a few weeks old. Needless to say, we were still hibernating inside, surviving on Christmas cookies and a couple hours of sleep. Now that Walter is walking and enjoying full days of fun, we're so excited to start some of these traditions with him.

I've been unaware until now, of the significance of these traditions. As we know, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Savior. The light of the world- The hope for all nations- The love that saves us all. Because these memories and traditions have been a part of my life since childhood, they're pure and innocent. They're perfect. I guard them with my heart and hold onto them tightly as I practice them each Christmas. The nostalgia of picking out the perfect tree at the farm, wearing my mom's 'Venezuela' apron while I hand mix cookies, and sitting in my dad's study while opening my stocking next to the fireplace are traditions rooted in the celebration of Our Savior. A seed of hope sewed into my routine.

Each year my family has a blast partaking in these traditions, and we walk into the New Year assured with hope. My mind and heart are made new. I feel fueled with joy, gratitude, and love. But truly, how good do you feel after Christmas has come and gone? I don't think I'm alone when I say that I feel completely refreshed. This season of giving ignites a fire inside my heart that I want to carry throughout my year... not just a season.

Our prayer this Christmas is to begin traditions with our baby boy that ground him in the life and love that was born on Christmas Day.

Today, our baby boy is one. Walter is walking, starting to talk, and is exploring anything he can get into. He eats like a horse; I'm already having a hard time keeping our refrigerator stocked between him and his daddy. He has the biggest, brownest eyes with the longest lashes- I get lost looking into them. He is already tall and lanky, our pediatrician has always called him a string bean.

Walter has a determination that I've never seen. He rolled at 8 weeks, crawled at 5 months, and walked at 11 months. He keeps me busy, but I would have it no other way.

Walter's first sunrise

One of my favorite memories from the delivery room: meeting Auntie Alex

One week at home

When 3 hours of sleep was sufficient for functioning

This past year has been the most challanging adventure of my life... so far. Having Walter has stretched me far beyond what I believed I was capable of. With each experience I honestly believe that my heart cannot love anymore that it already does or my ability as a mother has reached its capacity. Walter proves me wrong each time. I love and feel more in my heart with each morning, and each sickness and trying day has me walking into the next one a little stronger and wiser.

Our first Christmas

I have gained an entirely new perspective of a world that I once viewed as my own. The early stages of motherhood demand a selfless lifestyle. During this time I put so little focus on my worries because I was too busy pouring unconditional love into Walter. Giving and giving and giving day in and day out has transformed my heart.

I miss those newborn diapers. I kept the very last one in the last box to remember just how tiny he was.

First smiles

Morning after his first full night of sleep

Morning after his first sleepless night with a cold

First trip to the Oceanfront

What I personally take way from this year is a realization of the blessing that comes when I selflessly sow into God's gift. Loving as he taught me to love. Being Walters mother has caused me to love without hesitation and shift my focus onto what truly matters in life: my relationships. He unknowingly challenges me to apply this love into all areas of my life.

One of my favorite parts of this year has been watching Matt become Walter's daddy.

Walter's Baptism - 3 months

First Easter Basket. That bunny has become Walter's right hand man.

Grampy

Being part of a large family, I find myself constantly attending birthday celebrations. They become a routine activity; I take them for granted. We buy presents (hoping they won't be returned), sing "happy birthday", eat cake, tell funny stories, and go home. Planning my sons first birthday has me asking myself what we celebrate when we have these parties. Are we celebrating the fact that Walter is now a toddler? Are we celebrating the fact that my marriage still exists after raising an infant? Are we celebrating that Walter has reached all his pediatrician listed milestones? Are we celebrating parenthood or breastfeeding? Each time I answered no.

He spent the summer swimming in low-tide, crawling through the dunes, and stuffing hermit crabs in his mouth.

Our first Mother's Day- Strawberry field tradition I started with my mom.

His first Father's Day, beginning new traditions to honor Walter's Grandpa, David.

Fourth of July

Today we celebrate the impact that Walter has made this past year, not only in my life, but in the lives of others. Although he is 'just a baby' (now a toddler), he has a remarkable passion and curiosity for life. He has influence.

First kayak ride

As a young mother, I have frequent encounters with people when we're out running errands simply because they want to see and talk to Walter. Other times, I find myself ignoring the strangers because I only have so much time to run these errands. Last week a woman walked by us and briefly paused to smile at Walter. He returned the smile and she walked on. She turned around once more so I took Walters hand, and we showed her his new skill, walking. After 30 minutes of some small talk and telling her how motherhood has blessed me, she looked at Walter and thanked him for giving her hope.

I never want to rob my son of these moments of influence. I want to teach him how important these opportunities are: these moments of showing love to a stranger and investing in the people God has placed directly in our lives.

Birthdays celebrate a persons life and the impact made in the hearts of people they've encountered. Walter has deeply impacted my heart and the hearts of others. Each year, I want us to look back and celebrate HIM.