Happy 1st Birthday, Walter!

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. 

Today, we celebrate your powerful love. 

Happy 1st Birthday, Baby.