A week. That’s how late you were. 41 weeks. I must have given you a really cozy womb because you just didn’t want to come out. I didn’t know it then, but I should have guessed just from that, that you would do everything in your own time.
You came out fast and furious when you did decide it was time. An extremely short labour, not to mention epidural free. Yes, you came “au naturel” and caused me more pain than I had ever felt before. But you were worth it. You were quiet, slept like a dream, fed in a matter of minutes and were just so content.
I had another perfect little boy and we couldn’t be more blessed.
You were the most amazing baby. You were so happy all of the time. You slept through the night before you were 2 months old. You were the perfect compliment to your big brother, who fell in love with you instantly and who played with you like a doll. And you loved it, and loved him right back.
That is one thing about you that I hope never changes. You love like no other. You can be a handful, an animal even at times. But your affection is contagious. You kiss us all of the time. You tell us how much you love us all of the time. You give random hugs out of the blue and just when we need it the most. I love that about you.
I love how much you laugh.
I love how you always have a smile on your face.
I love how you will eat anything or will at least try something new before deciding you don’t like it!
I love how easy going you are. We drag you to your brothers programs and hockey games more often than not, and you never complain.
I love that you are so social. Everyone who meets you loves you and says how adorable you are.
I love that you are a lefty just like me!
I love how much you emulate your brother. How much you love him and love being with him. I hope that friendship lasts your lifetime.
We know that things haven’t always been easy for you, but you have come such a long way. You have caused us worry, but I guess what kid doesn’t? When you weren’t speaking at 2 years old and we were told to start speech therapy, we didn’t know what to expect. We were given all of these different scenarios on how you might react or feel when you couldn’t get your point across. But like your true self, you were a trooper through it all. Sitting through sessions, getting assessed by different people, and NEVER, not once did you get frustrated or lash out. And to this day you still work on yourself with a smile on your face. And we couldn’t be more proud of how far you have come.
You threw up…ALOT. You had (and still sometimes have) a pretty bad gag reflex. I had to constantly wear a burp blanket on me when you were a baby and you were in a bib 24/7. The wrong food, the wrong combination, the wrong size, made you gag. Luckily we got you completely checked out and it was nothing serious. Just another thing to outgrow and of course, at your own pace.
I think that is the biggest lesson that you have taught me. There’s no rush. That sense of urgency that I always have, doesn’t need to be there. Everything will happen when it is supposed to, and how it is supposed to.
You’re a smart kid there little T. And though you test me and my patience almost daily, you really do teach me new things everyday.
I hope you know how much you are loved. I can’t wait to see everything you do and everything you set out to do. I know you will not only surprise yourself but everyone around you. We know how much you are capable of and I have no doubt that you will succeed no matter what curveball life throws.
I can’t believe that 4 years have passed since the day you were born. Thank you for completing our family.
You will always be my baby.
So, to my 4 year old on your birthday, thank you for being you. I love you more than words will ever describe. And I wish you everything that life has to offer.
You are my sunshine.
Love,
MOM