Happy First Birthday Preston Robert!

When I think about my little boy turning one, a range of emotions run over me. 

I’m happy-

I’m sad-

I’m scared-

 I’m excited-

I’m nervous-

I’m ready-

I’m not ready-

I’m, well, unsure.

Preston COMPLETELY changed my life one year ago- the way I view things, the way I care about others, the way I love.  Oh- and the way I sleep.

This past year I’ve cried (a lot), but grown more than I could ever imagine.  Being a mother is hard, but looking into those beautiful blues eyes is oh so worth it.

To my baby boy:

Thank you for teaching me how to love unconditionally- something I never knew.

Thank you for teaching me that life doesn’t ALWAYS work out like you planned it- and that’s ok.

Thank you for teaching me to forever appreciate my own mother and everything she has done for me.

Thank you for teaching me how to feel well rested on only 5 hours of sleep (and inconsistent at that).

Thank you for teaching me that peaceful, long showers are a thing of the past- who needs these anyway?

Thank you for teaching me that there is so much more to life then I originally thought.

Thank you for teaching me that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Thank you for teaching me that quiet dinners should always be appreciated.

Thank you for teaching to turn on the oven instead of the microwave (I’m still working on this, but getting better).

Thank you for teaching me that a trip to Target is no longer as simple as it once was.

Thank you for teaching me that a simple hug and kiss from you can completely change my mood.

Thank you for teaching me to laugh when I want to cry.

Thank you for teaching me to be patient.

Thank you for teaching me how to care less about the small stuff and care more about the important stuff.

Thank you for teaching me that family is the most important thing in this world.

Thank you for teaching me that there is someone in this world that I cannot go longer than 2 hours without thinking of.

Thank you for teaching me that money doesn’t, in fact, grow on trees like I once thought (your Sissy appreciates this the most).

Thank you for teaching me that playing outside is always better than playing inside.

Thank you for teaching me to remember my childhood and my innocence like I never have before.

Thank you for teaching me, well, life is not fair- no one ever said it was and no one ever said it will be.

Thank you for teaching me that in order to remember every moment of your childhood, I am going to have to write it down, take pictures, and video more often.

Thank you for teaching me that giving being pregnant and giving birth are not scary but amazing things!

Thank you for teaching me the meaning in life.

Thank you for teaching me to always try to find the silver lining.

Thank you for teaching me that there is always something worse and we are just lucky to have what we have.

Thank you for teaching me how to read your mind considering you can’t tell me what is wrong (this isn’t easy when you are over tired, but I’m working on it).

Thank you for teaching me how to fall asleep without watching TV.  This is something I thought I would never get over- who knew that 4 months of sleep deprivation would forever change that?

Thank you for teaching me that it is impossible to always be quiet when you are asleep- though I will always try.

Thank you for teaching me that our dogs are just that- dogs.  I do love them both dearly, but I find that it is different than it was before.

Thank you for teaching me that I can turn off my cell phone, computer, and TV and still have a great time.

Thank you for teaching me that late nights on our back porch with your daddy are SO much more fun than going out.

Thank you for teaching me that I can still go on vacations and have a good time; however, you will always be on my mind.

Thank you for teaching me that when you really love someone, it doesn’t gross you out when they poop, pee, or throw up all over you.

Thank you for teaching me that is hard to watch someone you love be in pain.  And without thinking for one second, I would take every ounce of pain away from you and give it to myself.

Thank you for teaching me that doctors don’t know everything- sometimes a mother’s feelings are right, too.

Thank you for teaching me nursing is not as disgusting as I once thought- it’s an amazing experience that I honestly enjoyed.

Thank you for teaching me to always strive to be the best for you.

Thank you for teaching me boy toys are SO much fun!

Thank you for teaching me that having relationships with extended family is more important now than I ever thought.

Thank you for teaching me that it is ok to dream, but you should always be happy with where you are and with your accomplishments.

Thank for you for teaching me that I married the most amazing man in the world.  I didn’t know I could love him anymore until you were brought into our lives.  Nothing brings me more happiness then seeing the two of you together.  He is the best father ANYONE could ask for.

And finally, thank you for teaching me how to be a mother- something I will always say has been the hardest yet most rewarding thing I have ever done. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRESTON ROBERT EMERSON.