One year ago today...

One year ago today, my life was changed forever. I gave birth to Landon David Jones on November 24, 2008. I am still so surprised that this year has flown by before I even knew it. Here's Landon on the day of his birth:

And here's Landon today, on his birthday! He's one!

We celebrated this morning with birthday pancakes (stolen from the ultra-creative Rebecca Moon)!

We had a busy days visiting friends, getting pictures made, and having lunch with Papa. They even made him a birthday cinnamon pretzel at Mellow Mushroom, and he loved it! For dinner, Landon had a few of his favorite foods, goldfish, green beans, and spaghetti!

A letter to my one year old angel:

Dear Landon,

Your daddy and I waited for you for so long. After two years of hoping and praying for a baby, it was you that God chose for us. I imagined all the while I was pregnant of what you would look like, how you would act, and who you would become. I read all kinds of books, and I was sure I was ready for you. Nothing could've prepared me though for the immense amount of love I felt the instant you were born. You have changed my life and made me a better person. I strive everyday to be the best mommy I can to you, and I pray that I'm raising you in the way God desires. Motherhood is the greatest adventure, and I love waking up everyday, knowing I'm going to get to spend it with you!
You are so fun and charming to be around! You are always on the move, and proving to be "all boy" in everything you do. You love to be held and walked around, and sitting still is not your favorite thing to do! You love dogs, being outside, looking at books, playing, and of course, eating. You love every piece of food you've tried, and I love that you are (for now) a great eater! You love to make people smile by clapping your hands or doing "Touchdown"! You give great open mouth kisses, and you also show love by giving gentle headbutts, especially to your Papa. You sleep through the night, and I am thankful you've been doing that since you were 10 weeks old! Your favorite toys are the ones that you can press the buttons on, and you try to figure out how things work (just like your Daddy). You adore Elmo and Super Why the most, and a hurricane could come through here when they're on and you wouldn't care! You make us smile with all that you do. Even when you're fussy and not in a good mood, it's so hard not to see your cuteness! Everyone comments on that beautiful red hair and those gorgeous blue eyes. I melt when I look at you, and I am amazed everyday that I get the pleasure of being your mommy. You are our miracle, and I thank God everyday for giving you to us. This has been a fabulous year, and I know there will be so many more to come. We love you more than you'll ever know! Happy 1st birthday Landon!

Love, Mommy