An Ode to My Oldest

Today is Landon's Birthday. Eight years ago he was born at 3:29 pm and weighed 8lbs 8oz. He was a happy baby and smiled for everyone. He slept through the night at 10 months old, walked at 15 months, and potty trained at 3 1/2. He has always done things in his own time.

I am so proud to call him my son. Last Sunday he woke up early and quietly came in my room and asked if he could go downstairs. An hour later, the girls and I woke up and he was cleaning the kitchen. Before that, he cleaned the basement. He said he just wanted to do something nice for me.

That is the core of Landon. He is generous, kind and thoughtful. He has always been very sensitive and aware of other people's feelings. Ever since he was a toddler, he was always drawn to the child that was hurt or crying and would try to console them. He's not competitive, he's not jealous, and he doesn't have an angry bone in his body.

He's also a complete germ-phobe. He won't drink or eat anything that anyone has previously touched. Today he locked his sister in the bathroom until she washed her hands, after he caught her picking her nose.

As of this month, he wants to be an Army Soldier. When I told him he would have to go to war, he said he would just tell the guy in charge that he wants to stay in America. I told him it wasn't his choice, it was the President's choice. He then changed his mind and decided to be the President instead. He also wants to be a Scientist so he can cure cancer. What kind of a kid is thinking of things like curing cancer at eight years old? That's my Landon. Always wanting to help.
Recently, I read through the letters I wrote to Landon when I was pregnant with him. I've got to admit, even though I love all my kids equally, reading those letters reminded me how special the first baby is. Everything is so new and exciting, and you just can't ever anticipate the love you are going to have for that child. Here is a little bit of a letter I wrote the day we found out he was a boy, on May 30th, 2000:

"...We are going to name you Landon James Palmer. We think it will convey confidence and success; everything we know you will be. It's so amazing that I haven’t met you yet, but I love you more than life itself. I know I've only been carrying you for 5 months, but I've been dreaming of you my entire life. Thank you my little angel for the opportunity of being your mom."

Happy Birthday my little BIG angel.

I love you!