Being a wife and mother has always been key to who I am. No matter what else I do--my foundation is built with Ed, Braxton, Blaize, Brody, and Bentley. Solid and firm.
Families grow and that has happened to ours.
Bentley fell in love with Mason and they brought the most amazing little human into this world a year ago today.
Everything changed when Angus Edward Landess was born.
To the boy who made me a Monger.
It was 4:56 a.m. on Monday, July 18, 2022, when your Papa and I heard the lullaby play at Springfield's Memorial Hospital. We had been at the hospital for over twelve hours waiting for you to be born. Your Uncle Braxton, Uncle Brody, and Aunt Emily came over to wait, too, but they went home sometime after midnight. Uncle Blaize was at his house in Chicago eager to hear the news. Papa and I decided we wanted to stay at the hospital for the duration. Not only were you coming into the world but your Mommy is our baby girl and we wanted to be there for her and your Daddy on such a special day. The night nurse in the Labor & Delivery Department told us we weren't supposed to be waiting up there, masks were still required and limited accessibility to the floor was in effect. But we explained we were waiting for our first grandchild to be born and, miraculously, she let us stay. I still don't know how we managed that one.
We could feel the shift in the world when we heard those musical notes. I can't explain it but I knew you were here. Sitting in the cold waiting room on the hard plastic chair I anxiously watched the doors to the hallway where you were with your Mommy and Daddy. Your birth made a family of three. You got some special time with them. Finally, someone came out of the hall doors.
A nurse told us we could see you and as I walked down the hallway with Papa, I remember I was so excited to meet you. My mind was racing a mile a minute. I had pictured what you would look like so many times and now I would actually get to see you. It seemed unreal. We were at your Mommy's hospital room door and the wait was over.
To the boy who made me a Monger.
I had pictured you with so many different facial features for months--the reality was so much better. You were a perfect tiny little man with your eyes closed and a big blanket covering most of your body. You were sleeping peacefully and contently.
Watching your Mommy and Daddy with you made my eyes well up with tears. The tears began to spill over when Papa looked at you. The wonder and amazement in his eyes were something I had never seen before--not even when your Uncles and your Mommy were born. It was obvious to me that your Papa had just become your biggest fan.
It was my turn to hold you. You opened your eyes and even though I knew you couldn't see me clearly, I looked at you for as long as your eyes looked toward mine. I had a grandchild. I had a grandson. My Angus Edward was here.
To the boy who made me a Monger.
Today, you've been alive for one whole year. In 365 days you've managed to work your way deep into the hearts of our entire family. We can't remember a time before you, to be honest. It's as if we weren't complete before you were born.
Each of us has come to have a special relationship with you. To see your face light up when you see us...to have you reach for us with your chubby arms...it's about the best feeling ever.
Your Papa and I didn't have any idea how becoming grandparents meant our heart would be able to grow even bigger than it already was. It seems there's always room for more family. A grandchild? Well, this is about as good as it gets.
To the boy who made me a Monger.
I made up a song for you and sing it loudly and annoyingly whenever and wherever I want. No one can stop me. You smile and clap your dimpled hands as I sing and you rock back and forth to the beat. If you love it, I don't care how ridiculous I sound or look. I'll do what I need to do to get my Angus to smile. We'll sing that song for as long as I have a voice, my sweet baby.
You are my Angy Pang. My Angy Pangity Pang. No matter how old you are, this Monger will call you by those names. I will forever see the baby who I held for the first time a year ago. I will remember the five tiny teeth you flash when you grin and the silly way you wrinkle your button nose and snort while you laugh. I will continually call you 'my baby' even though your Mommy seems to think you're hers. Silly Mommy.
I hope your future is as happy for you as life has been so far. You don't know it yet, but you have the best Mommy and Daddy that any kid could wish for. Their world revolves around you and love fills your home to the brim. You are so very loved by both sides of your family. What a lucky little boy you are, Angy.
I wish for you to continue to grow and enjoy life with the innocence and awe you do now. Never lose that sweet, sweet personality. You have so much to give the world and I pray you never forget how loved you are by everyone you meet.
I was fortunate to have grandparents who loved and supported me for decades of my life. You will have the same, no doubt. You come from a long line of love, Angus.
You are the next generation.
The first grandchild.
To the boy who made me a Monger...Angus Edward Landess.
I love you. I love you. I love you.
Happy 1st Birthday.
It is what it is.
Love, Monger
