To the FIRST. . .

*Note--I am not pregnant/expecting. I just had this on my mind today while on a morning walk. 

 

"It is more fun to talk to someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like 'what about lunch?'" 
                                    -Winnie the Pooh 

Dearest Johnathan, 

You are the first and only. But, one day that second may not be so. I am actually scared stiff of the idea of having a second child. I feel like I can only handle you. There is just not enough time in the day. However, if another one or two or so come along. . . you are my first. You are the first one to be held in my arms. You are the first to call me mom. I sure hope you are the first to tell me you love me. You are the first to drive me crazy. You are the first to tear the house apart. You are the first to stick you fingers in your mouth and curl up to read a book on my lap. You are the first to get excited that daddy is home. You are the first to fun up behind me and grab my legs. You are the first to throw a fit because apparently I either don't give you food or I don't give you food fast enough. You are the first to run outside and discover the world around you. I am sure I can go on with many first, but we still have plenty of time to make more first each day. 

I can't imagine having another and not giving you my undivided attention. What I love about  you is your contagious grin. You have a love for people and the world around you that I hope will never go away. I too learned at a young age to accept everyone around me. I learned that everyone is special and a child of God. I learned to love and not judge and to trust. Not necessarily in people, but in God who knows all. This gift I have learned has taken me through many hardships and trials, and wonderful memories throughout my life. When I got called to serve my mission in Germany, I felt a love for those people before I even stepped in their country. Not only did I come to love them more, I also fell in love with the Middle Easterners, Asians, Africans, Latinos and all the people from around the world. I taught the the gospel that I so loved and saw many miracles all because I loved and trusted. 

Johnathan I can see those qualities in you now. The way you have no fear of anybody around you. The way you show kindness and love toward others. It is crazy to think that you are my first toddler, then my first pre-teen, then teen, then missionary. I can tell at this age that you will make a wonderful missionary, husband, and father. Your love for Jesus already shows in how excited you get when you see his picture. But for now, let's take this one step at a time and have many more first. When the time does come, you will be the best big brother and friend. 

For now, let's focus on 'what's for lunch?' 

Love, Mommy