As I hold the most precious 22-pound gift in my arms, I cannot help but think of the moments, 11 short months ago that he was resting in my belly. I cry, not because I am sad, but because I am so incredibly blessed to be this sweet little boy’s mama. I feel such a grand responsibility to love, guide, protect & teach this child of mine.

This past week a fellow basketball wife in my bible study group went to be with Jesus. Although I cannot understand why the Lord took her from her husband, small children, friends & family, I have peace knowing that she is celebrating in Heaven with her creator. This week reminded me that my time with my son has been short, but tomorrow might not come. I will hold close all these moments with him because these moments are the present, a gift I am reminded to cherish always.

He will be one. In just two weeks my baby boy Logan will be one year old. The small circle on the sonogram, the sound of his heartbeat, the small toes that formed, the smile that emerged, the hands that clapped, the kicks & shifts, & the first sound of his cry are memories that feel like yesterday. As I look at my sweet boy, I have the fondest smile knowing that these moments we shared will forever be in my heart & mind. I have a smile knowing that the look he is giving me at almost one will stay with me as he continues to grow.

He will be one. This next year I vow to teach him new things. Spend time on the playground & in the park. Enjoy picnics, traveling, reading, learning about Jesus, singing, & playing. Capturing all the moments I can. Logan’s voice, laugh & tears. Holding on to the “mama” sound when he gets a boo-boo, the clapping sound when I tell him good job, & the wet kisses that make me laugh so hard with love.

He will be one. And as he starts to play with daddy more, bouncing balls & playing in the dirt, I vow to watch those moments & that relationship grow. To know that even though he’s becoming daddy’s pal, he will always be mama’s baby boy. Kisses will be replaced with high fives & cuddles replaced with short hugs. Da-Da will be said much more than mama & even though I might pout; I know that God has blessed me with a loving husband & father to lead our baby boy.

He will be one. Time flies, we all know the saying & I know it is so very true, my sweet baby boy is growing up and the memories are growing too. So I take this as a positive step, a new year to blossom and grow, although I will miss these past 11 months, I cannot wait to see all the new things Logan will do. Every night before I lay my sweet boy to bed, I ask God for one more day. One more chance to be his mama, to say I love you, one more chance to kiss him & read him a book.

He will be one. And if I had just one day or chance to tell my sweet boy anything, I would let him know that I love him without limit, that my heart has never been heard by anyone but him, that nothing he does can separate that love, and that no matter what I am so proud to be his mama. To live life with the principles we are teaching him. To love Jesus, have faith, be kind, & forgive. When the going gets tuff—which I know it will, don’t ever forget that God tells us He will never leave us or forsake us. And when he grows up, I want him to be like his daddy, compassionate, strong, smart, caring, selfless, talented, hard working, patient, & loving.

He will be one. I am so grateful, so blessed, and so proud of my sweet baby boy.