birthday – notsoshortterm.com

Lovebug,

You turn two tomorrow. I have been saying that to myself all day so that I can wrap my mind around it and prepare myself for the reality that you will cease to be my little one year old babe in just a few short hours. Throughout my life I have been challenged by the ends of chapters/seasons. When change is imminent, I feel myself desperately trying to savor every last moment and cherish what I feel is slipping away. So today we did all of our “usual” activities—all of the things that you love to do. Reading books, playing trucks, and of course, going to visit the ducks and fish at the pond. You had a long, playful bath and once you were in your jammies, we curled up in the chair for bedtime. I gave you extra rocking and snuggling and told you how much I loved you. As I laid you in your crib and crept out of your room, I waited for a pang to enter my stomach as I acknowledged that I had my last day with you as a one year old.

Much to my surprise, it wasn’t there.

I felt happy…grateful…and totally at peace.

As I thought about why this was the case, it fell on me with unbelievable clarity. I wasn’t trying to hang on to this year because I knew without question that I had savored it and enjoyed it completely.

Unlike with other seasons, where I felt like I didn’t appreciate them enough or knew that I took them for granted, I could walk away from this year knowing that I had left nothing on the table. By the grace of God, I remained present with you during every day—not wishing a single moment to go faster or to be altered in any way. I loved you with every cell in my body. I gave you all of my energy. I withheld nothing.

Even on days that were less than perfect, I never wanted to be anywhere else. I was covered up in gratitude every single day that I could be right here with you and your daddy—I wanted for nothing.

I enjoyed the sights, the sounds, the touches. I relished in your new achievements and marveled at your growth. I laughed with you. Held you when you cried. Made messes and cleaned them up. Some moments were glamorous and others were cringe-worthy, but I remain thankful for them all.

So while it is in the nature of mamas to always wish for more time, I don’t regret any of the days of this year. I didn’t squander a single one. I haven’t been perfect—I have certainly made mistakes, but taking you for granted wasn’t one of them. What an incredible gift from God. My heart is full knowing that I have loved and savored every day I have been blessed to have with you. My prayer as we walk into 2 tomorrow morning is that this time next year I can say the same thing.

I love you BIG MUCH.

mama

Oh my sweet Lovebug…it’s official…you are one!! We had such a wonderful weekend celebrating all that you are to us. Your party was incredible–so many friends and family members came over to snuggle you and you were a champ! You loved being in the middle of all of the action and you were so patient when people scooped you up and covered you in kisses. When it was time for the cake, you were like a king holding court! You sat in a high chair beneath our peach tree and performed for the ready audience. You were so tickled by the cake–you started slowly, but gradually warmed up to the idea and then there was no stopping you! I honestly believe you would have remained in that chair all day long if we had let you!

On your birthday eve, we took you on your first sail aboard Author! Author! The Captain provided a perfect adventure on the Intercoastal. The sun was shining, the air was cool, and you loved every minute of it. An adventurous spirit is already evident in you. You love being among people and you don’t shy away from new experiences. Your ability to function on very little sleep comes in handy on days like these–you just kept going and going and going! In fact, on this day, you refused to take an afternoon nap! Even with all of the excitement, you were not tired enough to sleep! You went to bed at your regular bedtime like it was any old day. That is definitely your father in you, my love. Your mama would have been asleep before the car left the driveway. 😉

Your actual birthday was reserved for just the three of us. This day is SO significant for our family for so many reasons–it was perfect to just have you all to ourselves. Daddy came to your My Gym class in the morning and you LOVED having him there. You kept beaming at him from across the room and would motor his way at any opportunity. Speaking of which, your walking skills are nearing expert level! You have learned how to fall and you can get around very well on your own. Only one problem…you still can’t get up off the ground! Your daddy and I chuckle about this constantly. Your strong will refuses to learn to crawl and you seem to be perfectly content rolling around on the ground. You’ll figure it out eventually, I suppose!! Later on in the afternoon, we took you to the zoo, which you love. You always laugh at the warthogs, which is so precious! It was a beautiful day and we just soaked in every delicious drop of our time with you.

Birthday dinner featured some of your favorites–your crock pot chicken meal, sweet potatoes, and of course…more birthday cake!! You quickly remembered your affection for cake and were much less tentative this time around. You swiftly picked up the entire second tier and crammed it into your mouth! We let you have as much as you wanted, but when a piece fell to the ground and Daddy took it away, you growled at him!! It was absolutely hysterical.

Oh how we loved celebrating you. There has not been a single day in this entire year that I have not praised God for the incredible gift of you in our lives. To say that we are thankful is quite honestly the greatest understatement in the world. We are different people than we were a year ago…better people. You have changed our lives and our hearts in such a profound way and I am forever grateful. Every day I get to spend with you is an absolute gift and I treasure every memory made with you in my heart. Thank you for blessing us so abundantly–we are beyond excited to see what the next year has in store!!! I love you to pieces and bits, my one year old boy!!!

Always,

Mama