I have been a mother for exactly 1095 3/4 days! To be even more precise, the most wonderful, exhausting, joyful, overwhelming, awe-inspiring days of life. Time to celebrate!
Here is a slideshow from Max’s 3rd trip around the sun. I have to admit, the ending is the best part. It’s also pretty obvious what his favorite shirt was this year. That’s the one I’ll save. When I am an old lady, sitting in a rocking chair in my Tuscan villa, I’ll pull it out and remember how terrific it was to have a two year old boy.
Dearest Max,
You wouldn’t believe me if I told you, but you made me a mama. Before you were born, nobody ever called me mommy. That time in my life seems almost as unfathomable to me now as it does to you. When you think about it, I made you, but you made me too.
You are a very good boy. I tell you this everyday. I also tell you your behavior is bad or naughty on a regular basis. This is the first year you have gotten acquainted with the corner. Mostly, it’s just for taking toys away from Jack. But you ARE good. You’re underlying nature is obedient, kind, helpful and loving. The moments you act up are just the breaks you need to take from trying so hard to be a good boy all the time.
This year was the year you learned to talk. It took you a long time to start, but we figured each other out pretty well before we had words. It’s hard to remember that time now, because these days you have so much to say. Not only do you talk about what is happening in the world around us, you also relate memories I never knew you had, like picking raspberries last August. In the last two weeks I’ve heard your imagination spring forth as well. You like to tell jokes and crack up. You sometimes bicker with Jack like two old men. Best of all, you’re singing. You are just learning some songs, but you like to make up you’re own too. You sing your own music at the top of your lungs when we drive on the freeway. It’s so funny and cute. You also start the day shouting, which drives Daddy bonkers. Very soon you will be too big for your crib and we are frightened by what you might do. And how early you’ll do it.
Funny things you say right now: You call your pyjamas “breakfast clothes.” You exclaim, “Look at that water! It’s so wet!” You are very good at pronouncing your words, unless you’re too excited and your brain is moving quicker than your clumsy tongue. One thing you always mispronounce is teddy bear. You say, “te be de buh.”
Things you love right now: trucks, books, playing outside, riding your trike, cake, cookies, fruit, being a helper, wheel and seashell pasta, smashing snail shells on the driveway, visiting friends, building tall buildings with brick blocks, your wheel barrel, jumping from high places, going just about anywhere, parks, the beach, cats, painting, baking, coloring, play dough, choosing your outfit, puzzles and your family.
Jack is your best friend, but you are his hero. He follows you around and does exactly what you do. We often hear him say, “I, too.” He wants to be just like you. Sometimes you are very sweet to him. You bring him his blankie, warn him about trouble and find his doggie when it’s missing. I love to see you guys share and play nicely together. Right now your favorite game is to count and then run. You shout, “One, two, six, GO!” You and Jack and take turns running. You are so fast. Actually, I think you have your Daddy’s natural athletic ability. You’re very good at throwing, kicking and hitting balls. You also have excellent balance and like to practice it whenever you get a chance. Oh, and you’re a great dancer. I have video to prove it.
I want you to know how much I love being your mom. Not just a mom, but yours. Having a front row seat to your amazing adventure is the best ride of my life. It’s going by so quickly. You went from baby to toddler and now I see the preschooler in you emerging. I want to hang on to every minute, but I know that if I look forwards or backwards I’ll miss what is happening at this very moment. Your birth opened up a world of miracles, and it’s not an exaggeration to say: today we are on miracle number 1095. And do you know what?
It keeps getting better!
All my love, all my heart, all the time,
Mama
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