A Year of Firsts

First cry. 

Every doctor and parent knows how important it is to hear your baby cry when they are born. 

Landon's cry was crucial considering we (or the doctors) didn't know what to expect when he was born.

Meeting Mama for the first time.

If we are being honest, the actual birthing process is a blur. I remember thinking, "what in the world is going on?" 

But when they handed him to be for the first time, I immediately fell in love with him.

Papa was the first to change his diaper! 

I feel so lucky to have a husband who is so hands on and willing to change diapers at any time. 

One of the most hilarious texts I have ever gotten from Tyler was, "I could write a book about what just happened while I was changing Landon's diaper."

Landon was pretty little at the time and while he was changing an already nasty diaper, Landon pooped again while he didn't have a diaper on. Once Tyler cleaned that up, Landon peed on him, and once he was finally diapered and picked up, Landon spit up everywhere. 

Yikes....

And may I add, I have never been peed or pooped on. And rarely spit up on. 

Going home from the hospital to a house that had very minimal baby things. 

A few outfits, diapers, blankets, and a pack and play. 

Really, thats all we needed.

Our first Sabbath as a family. 

For those of you who know Tyler and I, we take sabbath very seriously. 

Every Friday from sun down until Saturday's sun down, we rest. 

No work, no working on sermons...just rest with each other and our community. 

So this was important for our new family of three

Landon's first smile was at our Christmas tree.

Call it gas, I call it a genuine, peaceful smile. 

First nap with Mama.

I wish he would cuddle up like this and sleep with me now!

Our first night at home. 

I know what you are thinking...he shouldn't have all those blankets around him. 

It was either that or he would have been cold.

Since we lived in Cali, Tyler and I didn't need a heater, but when Landon was born, we knew it would be too cold for him without one. So before we got a heater, this is how he stayed warm. 

His first night, he slept a straight 6 hours. I was scared to get up in the morning because I was sure something had happened to him. 

This is also before we learned the MAGIC of swaddling. 

P.S. SWADDLE YOUR BABIES, PEOPLE! They will sleep!

Watch "Happiest Baby On The Block." It changed our lives. 

Seriously. Do It.

End swaddling rant. 

Landon before we left the house for the first time. This was the only jacket he had at the time. 

Haha poor baby :) At least he looks cute and he was warm.

Our first Christmas Eve services. 

It was about 70 degrees that day so we got to walk to church. It was beautiful and one of my best memories.

Landon slept the whole time.

Landon's first Christmas Eve Night.

He is waving!

Landon's first Christmas. 

He hated it...

We are hoping it goes better this year!

First time going to the beach as a family!

Landon's first hike. 

He slept through most of it. 

But I felt like a champ hiking five miles through the mountains while carrying him in his wrap.

He went on more hikes the first 6 months of his life than some people get to do in their lifetime.

Landon's first mirror experience. He was so surprised to see himself!

He still likes looking in mirrors. 

He probably thinks he is pretty cute, too.

First vaccines.

I debating and researched whether or not I wanted to vaccinate him. 

But after talking to a few Doctor friends, we went for it and it has gone smoothy.

First time going swimming! 

He has always loved water (especially the bath tub).

His first pair of shoes. 

I think he only wore these twice because obviously, he doesn't like having shoes on!

His first boo boo.

I'm not even sure what happened...

His first Easter

Obviously he wasn't really impressed with this holiday either. 

Sitting up for the first time at 6 months!

His first bike ride. 

He was too little to care about his helmet, but now that he is older, he hates wearing it. 

His first time sitting in a high chair!

First time standing on his own! 

Flying on an air plane for the first time.

I was so nervous for this trip, but he did great! 

Minus the last hour when Tyler had to walk him up and down the aisle .

Swimming by himself in his own little pool.

It doesn't compare to the beach, but still fun!

First crawling race with Papa!

One of the first times he had baby food.

He is a much cleaner eater now.

First time swinging.

First pumpkin carving! 

He actually enjoyed playing in the pumpkin guts.

His first halloween.

He was The Lorax this year!

Landon's first cookie dough beater.

He loved it.

Christmas decorating!

Papa had to give Landon a talk about not destroying the Christmas Tree.

I'm happy to say he hasn't bothered it at all!

I want to soak up every precious moment of his life.

I'm sure I will continue to document all of Landon's first. 

     First step, first time out (I'm sure he will have them), first day of school, first game, first concert.

I can't wait to see the person he develops into. He is only (almost) a year old and he is already incredible. 

It's Been a Year

  It's been a year of surprises.

A year of laughter, tears, confusion, chaos, and joy.

A year of changing thousands of diapers and knowing there is still at least another full year left. 

A year of learning to receive graciously. Receiving isn't always easy, but sometimes, the only choice you have is to humbly take what others offer because it is literally all you have. 

Diapers, wipes, a car seat, stroller, gift cards, monetary gifts, clothes, soap, blankets, a pack and play. 

The essentials is all you really need.

A year of learning you don't need what society says you need for a baby.

 Hours were spent laying on a bed and simply admiring a beautiful, healthy, perfect, baby.

A year of taking thousands of pictures to capture every single precious moment. 

A year of memorizing children's books.

A year of singing, "Pete The Cat" songs. 

A year of watching in amazement the development of a once tiny, helpless baby.

A year of getting excited over things such as teeth, rolling over, and sleeping through the night.

A year of being overwhelmed in the baby section at the store.

A year of breastfeeding. The most beautiful and important thing I had to offer. 

The best decision I have ever made.

A year of having less money than we have ever had, and being completely happy. 

A year of firsts.

Not only firsts for a baby, but firsts for two parents who had and have not a clue what they are doing. 

A year of change in personal lives, relationships, and location.

A year of falling completely and beautifully in love with a baby I didn't even know existed until he arrived.

A year of broken sleep.

Being exhausted, but looking at a sweet, sleepy face and not minding at all. 

A year of overcoming guilt and "what ifs."

A year of falling asleep with a sleeping baby on your chest.

A year of sweet giggles and joyful shrieks.

A year of unexpected, but welcomed change....

Wedding Weekend!

Lets be honest.

We don't always like going to weddings.
     Some are boring.
     They take too long.
     The food isn't good.
     Maybe you just don't feel like going.

If I'm being honest, I have attended a few weddings that I couldn't have cared less about.
I know...shame on me.

But!
This weekend, we get to attend a wedding and my thoughts couldn't be further away from not wanting to attend.

I have the honor to experience two people coming together.
They will die to themselves in order to become one with each other.

I met Kyle five years ago.
I've seen him go through a lot of things that a person shouldn't have to go through.
I've seen him make choices that probably were not the best, or the smartest, or the safest (jumping off the roof into the pool, cutting down an entire tree by himself and then dragging it to the back yard, and attacking my husband (boyfriend at the time) over cookie dough).
I've also seen him love his son, Mason completely and unconditionally. The father/son bond those two have is incredible and something only a handful of fathers will ever get to experience.
I love him as if he were my real brother. I don't say he is my brother in law, I just say he is my brother.

I met Brooke only eight months ago.
She beautiful, kind, and probably one of the most genuine people I have ever met.
She loves Kyle and in my opinion, she is perfect for him.
Mason is a lucky little boy to have this woman in his life and so is Landon. I want positive, confident, respectful women influencing him and Brooke embodies all of those qualities and so much more.
I'm overjoyed to be gaining another sister and I'm even happier that its her.

Brooke and Kyle met while Tyler and I were still living in California. Their dating life was very short. So short that when Kyle called and said he was going to propose, it took about an hour of him convincing us that it wasn't a joke.
Most people who know Kyle and Brooke would probably say they moved too quickly, and at first, I would have probably agreed with them.
But after spending time with them, I can't imagine them doing this any differently.
The love they have for each other is evident and something to be admired.

This marriage is the type of marriage I want Landon and our (maybe) future children to see.
They honor and protect their relationship and treat it like it is their most prized possession.

I can't wait to watch their story unfold for the next 60+ years.

(Tyler Sharpe Photography)

Perfect Timing

Landon's timing is not always perfect:

I'm happy to say he has been consistently sleeping a full twelve hours at night without waking up! There were so many nights I would think to myself, "I'm never going to get all full nights sleep again." Thankfully, he has figured out the sleeping thing and does it quite well. 

But before he figured it out, he would always wake up right when I was about to fall asleep. It never failed! I would feel myself drifting only to hear Landon crying in his crib. 

 (Not so) Perfect Timing. 

One time, he had a huge, blow out, bowel movement while we were sitting in the car, waiting for Tyler to come out of the store. I couldn't carry him into the store because it was literally everywhere. He couldn't wait just five more minutes.

(Not so) Perfect Timing. 

He is pretty good at playing by himself while I get things done. Except when I want to eat, and then he wants me to hold him.

 (Not so) Perfect Timing. 

When he was just a few months old, Tyler and I would try to watch a movie together while he napped. 

Yeah, right. He always seemed to wake up just after the movie would start.

(Not so) Perfect Timing.

One time, in church, a lady was asking for prayer for her very sick friend. 

Landon started laughing. Hysterically.

(Not so) Perfect Timing.

When we dicipline him, he thinks its time to laugh.

(Not so) Perfect Timing.

A few weeks ago, I was running his bath water. I guess the "new mom" in me thought it was okay to take his diaper off and let him stand by the tub and watch the bath tub fill up. I'm sure you can guess what happened...

All over the side of the tub, the floor, and my foot.

(Not so) Perfect Timing. 

And yet, there are times when his timing is flawless:

He willingly hugs us now. And every time he does, I always say, "Awww, thank you Land. Thats so nice." So now, every time he hugs me, he makes an "awww" sound. He even pats my back with his little hands. He willingly, without bribe, crawls over to me, stands up and wraps his arms around me.

It's always perfect timing. 

When he was first born, we tried to arrange our (extremely tiny) apartment as quickly and as efficiently  as we could to make room for him. He always seemed to need to eat right when I was in the middle of something. Little did I know then that sitting down, relaxing, and nursing him was just what I needed to settle down.

Perfect Timing.

You all have seen his pictures! He smiles at the most perfect moments!

Perfect Timing. 

A few weeks ago, we were walking through the grocery story. Tyler and I have made it a priority to always go to the store as a family. 

Anyways, we are walking through the grocery store and Landon was sitting in the cart and he kept insisting on kissing us. He even makes the, "mmmmuah" sound. In the midst of trying to figure out what to buy for dinner, Landon just wanted to stop and kiss us.

Perfect Timing. 

When they told us we were pregnant and having a baby the same day, I would have said that timing was the furthest thing from perfect timing. But the second he was born and they handed him to me, I looked at him, and immediately knew this was exactly how it was supposed to happen. 

Landon's birth has been the start of so many great things for us:

Getting to enjoy beautiful, California as a family of three, moving back to Ohio to be closer to family, and now Tyler becoming the pastor of a church. 

None of this would have happened if Landon wasn't born. 

Perfect Timing.

(Not to mention his birthday is 12/12/12)

My Bucket List

The idea of a bucket list sounds a little morbid to me.

A list of things you want to do before you are dead...

Regardless, I started one a few years ago:

1. Get a Tattoo - Check! But, I want more.

2. Eat at a restaurant owned by Gordon Ramsey - I'm a little bummed we didn't take advantage of his restaurants while living ten minutes from Los Angeles.

3. Drive across the country - Check! I probably wouldn't do it again, but it was definitely a fun experience. Especially since Tyler and I did it together. I wouldn't want to spend that many hours in a car with anyone else.

4. See Cirque du Soleil Perform - Tickets are so expensive!

5. Go to Disney World - Maybe when Landon is a little older.

6. Give my wedding dress away to a girl who needs (and wants) it - As soon as we bought my dress, I knew I wanted to give it away when I was done with it. There is no real need for me to wear it again so I don't feel right keeping it for myself. It is being stored in a closet right now and I would love for another woman to feel beautiful in it. If you know of someone needing a wedding dress, point them in my direction, please!

7. Fill balloons with paint and then pop them on a canvas - Because who doesn't like the splatter paint everywhere?!

8. Swing off of a rope into a lake - Just like in the movies ;-)

9. Go apple picking/strawberry picking: So Tyler can make pies.

10. Cut down our own Christmas tree - We could do it this year, but I'm afraid Landon will eat the pine needles. So maybe next year when he is getting over eating everything he gets his little hands on. 

11. Jump off a rock into water (with the presence of a water fall) - Doesn't this sound like a dream?

12. Pay for a families meal at a restaurant - Because people are deserving of a random act of kindness.

13. Go camping on the beach - I love the beach and I love camping.

14. Take the inner tube tour down the canals of Hawaii - I would even suffice for just a trip to Hawaii.

15. Watch baby sea turtles hatch - Because I LOVE turtles. And baby sea turtles are adorable.

16.  Go Zip lining - This is pretty realistic

 17. Go Deep Sea Fishing - I should have taken better advantage of my California life when the beach was twenty minutes from our house...

18. Grow our own fruit (strawberries, watermelon, ect.) - Check! However I would love to have a garden that can help sustain our living. Our little porch garden was great, but we would have starved.

19. See the Ellen Degeneres Show - I have been trying to get tickets for at least two years! We even tried sending in Landon's story! I don't want to be on the show...I just want to go and watch (and dance of course). 

20. Ride on a boat - Check! Not to mention we got to see dolphins and whales up close!

21. See the human body exhibit - Because I'm an anatomy nerd and would highly enjoy looking at a human with no skin.

22. Run the Color Run - Check! One of my favorite life experiences. So fun!

23. Ride in a convertible - With the wind blowing in my hair...

24. Ride on a motorcycle - Check! Thanks to my Brother, Kyle.

25. Go to a Karaoke bar - Not to sing...just to watch.

26. Play Bingo in a bingo hall - Because my gram loved playing bingo.

27. Set a dandelion on fire - Check! But highly disappointing...

28. Start a Blog - Check! 

29. Build an upside down snowman - Because a snowman standing on his head would look hilarious.

30. Adopt a child - I know this is A LOT more serious than just something to check off of a bucket list, but I would love to share my love with a child who needs it.

31. Become really good a photography - Landon would be my main model (of course).

32. Be social media free for a year - Don't you think that would be refreshing??

33. Chop fire wood - Probably just one log.



What's on your bucket list???

Dear Daughter-in-Law

It may be wrong to assume Landon will get married someday, but incase he does:


Dear Future Daughter In Law,

It seems funny to be writing to you considering Landon is only ten months old. He is almost walking, but not quite. He "talks" a lot, but the only real word he can say is, "mama." He likes to carry around socks and loves playing with (and trying to eat) leaves. He is a little silly, but incredibly wonderful.

I wish you understood how much I love Landon, but that is impossible.  I'm not really sure I even understand the love I have for him.
It is unexplainable.
Someday, if you have your own children, you will then, maybe see what I mean. You just can't describe the love you have for your child.

Right now, I am his world.
He depends on me for everything and I love this.
I am able to comfort him when he is sad and I can make him laugh by doing just about anything.
He loves when I hold him and he relaxes when I am in the same room as him.
He wakes up, sees my face, and gets so excited! He can't even control his arms from flapping up and down before I pick him up.
Before I go to sleep every night, I can't help but get excited to see him in the morning.

But now, you are his world.

And don't worry, I'm not sad about this and I won't try to keep him as my own.

You will now comfort him when he needs you.
I hope you two laugh together every day.
Hold him and be his safe place, as he will be yours.
You are the first person he will see when he wakes up and the last person he sees before he goes to sleep.

I pray Tyler and I have been a good example for Landon of what love really is.
I'm sure we are probably still working on it, but thats how love works...You don't suddenly figure it out and all your marriage struggles are gone.
     It takes time and patience.
     You are constantly figuring out how to love better.
     There is no "How To" book because your love for each other is unique and unlike anyone else's.
I pray you two find love in each other like Tyler and I have found in each other.

I hope he treats you with the respect you deserve.
I hope he opens the car door for you like his dad has done for me since the day we have met.
I hope he cooks for you.
I hope he loves you unconditionally.

As I watch Tyler count Landon's fingers and toes, I hear him squeal in delight and I can't imagine not keeping him here with me for his whole, little life.
But that isn't the way it works...and I'm ok with that.

As much as I think Landon loves me, I hope he loves you more.
Nobody will love him the way I do, but your love for him is his most important thing.

So, love my son like you have never loved anyone or anything ever before.
Cherish and adore him.
He is the most precious thing in my life...please, make him yours.

My Favorite Day of The Year!

Tomorrow is my favorite day of the year.

Its not a holiday...at least not a nationally recognized one.

Only a handful of people will remember and celebrate the day.

The person this day is centered around doesn't particularly like the day as much as you would think. In fact, he tries to deny that it is a special day at all.

October 12th is.......

TYLER'S BIRTHDAY!!!! 

Tyler, if you are reading this, you are probably "mad" because now people know it is your birthday, but! I get too excited not to talk about it. 

No, I'm not sorry ;-)

My husband's birthday is my favorite day of the year.

Landon's birthday is a tie. 

I love this day so much because this is the day he started to become who he is today. And the person he is today is the one I love more than anything or anyone on this planet. 

I love celebrating this day because it is a reminder of how precious his life is to me and how my life would be nothing like it is now if it wasn't for him. 

I've written before how much I love him, but words cannot even begin to describe the love I have for this man.

Happy birthday blob!