Sunday, January 3, 2010

A Year of the Greatest Days Ever!

I can't believe it but it will be a year tomorrow since we brought our beautiful little boy home from the hospital and it is amazing how quickly the feelings come flooding back from that wonderful time in our lives. In fact, I still tear up when I listen to Kenneth Cope, not because I like his music necessarily, but because it was the soundtrack to our lives the days before and after we met Jackson. I remember the rush of emotion I felt when I saw Jackson being born and his cheesy, gorgeous smile still overwhelms me with what a precious little gift we were given.
But Jackson coming into our lives was just the beginning of the greatest days ever. As I mentioned, we brought Jackson home three days later and I remember getting pooped and peed on with the first diaper I changed at home. And while I remember being very tired, i loved how much I was able to snuggle with him late into the night, often sleeping with him in my arms in the rocker or in bed. We did a lot of singing, shhhhing and cooing, rocking, bouncing and swinging and lots and lots of loving. I especially remember that the first 6 weeks of having him home I was filled with joy. Motherhood seemed to me the most amazing of occupations and it was everything and more than I had hoped.
This isn't to say that it in any way went down hill from there though. Reality did set in more but the days of wonder didn't cease. We saw Jackson smile, roll over, sit up, go to his first baseball game, go in the pool for the first time, his first plane ride, his playtimes with his 2 cousins and countless other firsts.
And then of course came the day when he was officially made ours. It was rushed and frustrating at times. We were nervous and stressed because of the time line and other events. But yet another miracle happened in our lives when we received the call that we would be able to get the adoption finalized within a week. Our lawyer said he had never heard of the system working so quickly and we were also at the mercy of a kind judge who fit us into his busy schedule. We probably could have brought all of our family with us that day, but without thinking we went alone and had a great experience where our years of waiting were brought to an end with a 5 minute court appearance and the well wishes of a judge.
And then only days passed before we had a whirlwind weekend of having Jackson sealed to us and then having Dustin bless him. I have mentioned it before but it doesn't hurt to repeat: the day of Jackson's sealing was the most spiritual day of my life! i have never felt the Spirit so strong as I did in the temple that day and the fact that I was able to relive my wedding day only made it all the more sweet. In fact, being able to have the promises of posterity fulfilled was something for which we had been waiting for almost 5 years.
And now, 5 months later, after an adventure in Grenada and with many adventures ahead of us, the year has come to an end with the celebration of Jackson's first birthday the last of the greatest days ever of the year. And here are some of the pictures of our beautiful little boy from a beautiful day filled with beautiful memories.

Some of the sweet treats for the party... we had a cupcake decorating party the night before with family and I am especially proud of the monkey cake where I learned to fill in the frosting with little stars. Grandma J is to be credited with the smaller monkey cake.







Birthday Boy in the inflatable bounce house before and after the cake carnage.








Decorations and Party guests
















The cake encounter













Presents






and us...



11 comments:

Aselin said...

Fantastic capture of spectacular memories, celebration and joy. Thanks for sharing!

Leslie said...

I'm so so sorry I couldn't make it!! He is gettng so big. I was really mad at myself today for not getting to come say hello. Sydney was being sort of bratty and when I came back in the chapel you guys were gone! Happy Birthday to your sweet boy.

Anjuli Fry said...

Happy birthday!!! Congrats on this first year!! You are making a great mom!!! I am sorry I don't comment more but I am always reading your blog and enjoy your family adventure!! My one suggestion on having a child is...and this is going to sound slightly selfish...but it is easy to forget about yourself and your needs as a couple. But to be a good mother and wife...it is needed I promise!!! I wish I had realized that before I had my third child and reality hit. But things are looking up!
Love you tons!!!!

Ashley said...

This post was so sweet. I'm of course sitting here boobing as usual. What a miracle Jackson is in your lives. So sorry we couldn't be there for his birthday. Love you guys!

Mrs. B said...

Oh Lyndz, he is sooooo cute! Happy Birthday Jackson!

Brittany and Cody said...

It looks like Jackson's first birthday was a blast..We miss you guys!

Jord said...

Oh my goodness, what a party!!! He is so adorable and I love him devouring his cake. I am sad we were in the car instead of enjoying the day with you.

Amy, Dan and Ryan said...

Such sweet and wonderful memories! You did a fabulous job on the treats, too. They look awesome!!! I'm still sad I couldn't come to the party though. Stupid stomach flu! :( Jackson is as adorable as ever! Great pics! I'm very excited, can you tell? !!!

C said...

Wow, I can't believe he's one already! Happy Birthday buddy! (from Jimmy)...the rest is (from Chelo)--His party looked so cute & fun! I love that picture of him grinning away with cake all over-how cute! I didnt realize how long you guys waited to have that little angel in your life...thanks for sharing your special moments!

Chris and Jessie said...

I am so happy for all of you! I haven't had the chance to hear the rest of your story until now, it's so beautiful! What a blessing these babbies are! Happy Birthday Jackson!

Em said...

I'm crying as I'm reading this. I'm so happy for y'all. You're so blessed. (Oh and I'm obsessed with his little Paul Frank outfit:) What a wonderful blessing. I hope I can post a similar post on my blog next year (finger's crossed). Love ya girl!