Westley. You are one.
Your Mama who sometimes feels things real deeply has to swallow hard just typing that so that she doesn't start to cry.
But hear me sweet sweet boy, I am not sad that you are one. I feel like crying out of thankfulness. Out of joy. I love that you are one. I love that you are growing and changing and learning about the world around you. I feel like your Dada and I hit the life lottery with you.
You are a treasure.
You are wanted.
You are good.
You are loved.
You are going to get a lot of gifts when your Grandmas and Grandpas and Aunts and Uncles come over tomorrow for your party. I've caught wind of a red wagon that has your name on it and a miniature table and chairs you can play at for years to come. But I hope when you see all those smiling eyes directing their love straight at you that you feel and know that YOU are a gift. God picked you for us and us for you and we bust with gratitude.
You depend on me, cling to me at times, hug me, kiss me, smile at me, rough house with me. You and I have spent 365 days and nights together. And while we are so attached to each other I sense an independence in you that I really like, that I admire. I want you to rely on me and trust me completely so that someday when you are all grown up and on your own you can feel secure knowing that you are never really alone. Because Dada and I are sturdy for you and God and his love follow you every where.
April 27th at 6:08 pm 2011. Best and most transforming minute of my life ever. I'll never forget looking down at your face and seeing myself. I'll never forget how at that very moment I knew what the word unconditional actually meant.
Happy Birthday Westley James. I love you completely, always will.
happy birthday to your sweet big 'ol one year old healer baby! :)
ReplyDeletethose cheeks in that first picture! this was beautiful candis - he will always appreciate seeing this in writing. truly truly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI cried.
ReplyDeleteI can't heeeeelp it.
You have the most beautiful mother's heart, Candis. And you're right, we shouldn't be sad, we should be so proud and so glad. I'm happy that you said that.
Happy birthday, Westley :)
And also, he looks just like his daddy in that second picture! Mini DrewJones.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful words, Candis!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad Westley belongs to you and Drew, and you two to him. No doubt he will leave a beautiful mark on this world.
Happy Birthday, sweet Westley!
unca J says Happy Birthdaaay!!!
ReplyDeletei seriously got the chils. can you IMAGINE what this will be like reading when he is older? that is what i thought of the entire time. older westley, having a bad day, reading those words: you are wanted. most transformative minute of my life. with you always. written by his mama.
ReplyDeletethis post is a gift unto itself.
Oh, LOVE.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much love in this post and in your heart and in your words for your precious baby boy.
Happy Birthday, Westley!!
happy happy birthday westley!! you are so loved!
ReplyDeleteprecious, precious gift.
ReplyDeleteI had to delurk for this one. I am all teary after reading that. Beautifully written. My daughter will be 10 months old this week and I'm finding myself getting sad that she's getting so big. This gave me a whole different angle to look at.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated Birthday to your beautiful boy, This post was the sweetest Candis thank you for sharing your heart with us :)
ReplyDeleteSo so so precious. What a tribute. What a blessed little boy.
ReplyDeleteHe looks like such a little man already! Oh Candis, you have such a way with words. Thanks for sharing your journey with Westley - it's been life giving and inspiring to witness your love for your sweet boy!
ReplyDeleteIts really good news and also so nice i touched so closely it and feel so nice.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing...
Garden centre in Southend-on-Sea