Dear Landon

Dear Landon,

Happy First Birthday to my precious little gift from God! My heart overflows with love and thankfulness for you. One year ago today, you came into the world and forever changed our lives. Landon, you have been such a blessing to us and everyone you meet. It warms my heart to see how you light up the faces of people around you, including complete strangers. Your name means something cheesy like "landowner", but to God you mean so much more! If I was to give your name a meaning it would be "joyful gift from God". You are truly a gift, a baby we never imagined would be ours. You are kind, funny, adorable, laid back, cuddly, curious, very observant, happy...the list could go on and on.
 I love it when we are out and about and see someone who looks like they are having a bad day and you chatter away and smile at them until they acknowledge you and eventually smile back. God is already using you in this world - through your simple, contagious smiles and sweet chatter. Because of you, He has continued to cultivate patience in me and trust that He has good things in store for my life.
You see, we did not know if we would be able to have a baby. Every child is a miracle and God creates each one in his own special timing. After being sick and having two surgeries within a year, I was so discouraged and wandered why so many other people could easily have a baby. I began to ask God, once again, why life is so hard. God answered that question by giving us you! God hand-picked you to be in our family. He chose us to be your parents and knew EXACTLY when to give you to us. He knew I would find out early in our marriage that I was sick. He knew that not knowing how we would start a family (either through adoption or biologically) would lead me to have a deeper trust in Him. He knew that you were the gift, the miracle, He would give us at just the right time!
Landon, your Dad and I pray for you daily to come to know Jesus. He is the greatest gift to us and has entrusted us with your life. Landon David Eshleman, our hearts overflow with love for you - Happy Birthday!!

Love,
Your Mommy



So, I know this isn't a cake post, but today is a special day for my little guy! Here are a few pics from his day so far....

 

 

We started the day off by celebrating with a free b-day rooty tooty jr. breakfast at IHOP! It was fun PJ and Pancakes date with jusy mommy and baby :) We have more treats coming later today. Can't wait!