TWO!

Dear Brody,

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY!!

the face he gave me when I pointed out he got covered in chalk paste!

My precious baby boy - you are two today. TWO! We are outside bright and early, the sun is shining warmly on us and you are driving your yellow dump truck all over the deck. My heart is swelling to bursting. 

I think it is natural for any mother to think back on the birth of her baby come their birthday. This time two years ago I was sure I was in labor, your father not so much. He thought we still had time and took off for work. I had been having contractions since 3 in the morning. I had called my mom by 6 and she was sure too. I was waiting for my doctors office to open so I could call them and in the meantime I thought it'd be a good idea to take a shower. It was refreshing in between the bouts of contractions. What a day Brody.  I called your Daddy and told him he needed to come home, it was time to head to the hospital. At the time it didn't seem like it happened that fast but looking back on it, it seemed no sooner we got to the hospital that I was working on pushing you into this world. I don't think I will ever be able to properly explain to you what it felt like seeing you, hearing you and holding you in my arms for the first time, not until you become a parent yourself probably. Our world forever changed and it is a change I would never take back. Life before you seems so dim. You, baby boy, you make the world a brighter place. A fallen leaf is more magical, a shovel full of snow more rewarding, any source of water more exciting. Your laughter is magical, your hugs can move mountains, and your little kisses Brody, those are like a jolt of electricity through my already lit up heart!

Being a parent is not always magical. Not all the time. And considering that you are a very strong willed, stubborn, adventurous little boy, we sometimes butt heads. Even in those challenging moments, you teach me. Whether it's to practice more patience or to see the world from another angle, the amount of lessons being taught to me by you are endless. You see the world with an energy that had burned out in me with age. You have retaught your father and I the wonder of the everyday things that surround us.

I didn't get to finish this yesterday as we got distracted with some intense raspberry searching. They are just starting to ripen but the second you see a hint of color you think they need to be eaten. To sum this up Brody, life with you has been pretty amazing and I can not wait to see you come into the roll of big brother. I am sure there will be ups and downs, but I have no doubt that you will be one heck of a big brother! I love you baby boy so so much. And just so you know, you will NEVER stop being my  baby!

Love,
Mommy