Friday, March 5, 2010

Happy 2nd birthday, Bean


Dear Bean,

Two years ago today, I held you in my arms for the first time. I was aware at that moment that my life was changed forever, but I didn't know how. I couldn't imagine who you would become, your personality, how you would fit into our small family. It was both an end and a beginning for me -- life was no longer about me and your father. Every day since has revolved around you, our precious little star.

The early months were not easy. Having waited so long and endured so much for you did not translate into being more prepared for caring for a newborn. We struggled with feeding, sleeping, and reflux. When you cried, your dad and I worried that we didn't have what it takes to be parents. But slowly the fog lifted. The learning curve was steep, but we caught on eventually. You smiled, cuddled, and showed us the everday miracles of having a baby. When you were about five months old, I quit my part-time job to be home with you. It was the best decision I have ever made, because even feeling fulfilled in my career couldn't hold a candle to the joy I've had being with you.

You've been attached to your mama from the beginning, you still love to be held and snuggled close. When we go to preschool or other activities, you like to stay near me for security. But as your second birthday grew closer, you began to venture off more confidently on your own. I absolutely love to see you having fun with other toddlers, but selfishly I am glad you are still a cuddler at home. While I know that over time you'll need me less and one day I'll be so uncool, I cherish the moments when no one else exists in the world but you and me.

I'm not quite sure what I did so right in life to deserve you for a son. You are incredibly good natured and sweet, my heart melts on a daily basis. Even though I hear your tiny voice call "Mommy!" at least a thousand times a day, I never get tired of it. You get so much joy from life, you laugh and explore and learn. You remind me to live in the moment, to be silly, to go with the flow. You are very agreeable, and unless we ask you something torturous (e.g. "Can we trim your nails now?"), your automatic response to any question whether you understand or not is an enthusiastic "Yeah!" I can also count on you to be well-behaved in public. I can't tell you how many times strangers have come up to me to remark that you are the best-behaved child wherever we are, from the doctor's office to an airplane.

It's incredible to see you develop your own preferences and voice opinions. One day, seemingly out of the blue, you decided that you love sports, and since then most of our conversations revolve around football, basketball, hockey, and soccer. When you pick out your own clothes in the morning, you often ask to wear your "team shirt," a Michigan State football jersey. You also love cars, trains, drawing, dogs, and babies; and when it comes to food you prefer orange juice, waffles, toast, and pasta.

The past two months have been hard on you, I have been on complete bedrest while pregnant with your twin brothers. We have been so lucky to have Grandma M. come and stay with us for several months. You adjusted so quickly, you and Grandma are best buddies. You don't really understand about the babies in my tummy, but you do know that I have to stay in bed. I love when you climb in next to me, cheerfully greet me with a "Hi Mommy!" and curl up for some quality cuddle time. Today you gave me a huge smile and said, "Love you, mommy. Love you." It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about your sweetness. Even when you aren't right next to me, you always keep me posted on what toys you are playing with -- calling out "Mommy, b-ball!" or "Mommy, fast cars!"

I am so proud to be your mother. You are gentle, kind, thoughtful, energetic, bright, silly, helpful, and beyond adorable. As you grow, I become even more amazed at your new abilities. There is so much left for you to experience in the world, and I am thrilled to be a part of that, providing guidance and support the entire way. Thank you for all the joy you bring to our family, for making motherhood more incredible than I could have imagined. Happy second birthday, sweetheart.

I love you always,

Mommy


Photobucket

19 comments:

Elissa said...

Happy Birthday Bean! May your day be filled with "team shirts", parental hugs and your favourite foods and fun new toys!

MissMVK said...

Happy Birthday Bean!

Your Bean and my Piglet are cut from the same cloth. Don't worry, he will get the baby thing very soon and very quickly! When I ask Piglet where the babies are, he point to my stomach and says "Der! One, two!"

Coffeegrljapan said...

Look at all the hair on that adorable tiny boy! And oh my - how he has grown! What a peach.

Sarah said...

So sweet! And 'GO GREEN'!!! (and I don't mean recycling)

Erin said...

Happy birthday Bean!!

This made me cry a little. You could have been writing about me and my son when he was little. Hard to believe he is 13 now. Time goes by very fast. I am so ready for a little one again!!!

Jen said...

Happy birthday Bean! You are the cutest! You are very lucky to have such a wonderful mommy.

Lori Lavender Luz said...

Happy birthday, Bean. How wonderful that you are growing up in a home so full of love for you!

Mary said...

Happy Happy Birthday Danny! Welcome to the Terrific Twos!!!!

And C, that post made me all teary too :)

Kristina P. said...

He is so darn cute! Happy birthday to Bean!

K said...

Too sweet! He is an adorable boy, I'm amazed how his hair lightened later on!

Happy birthday bean :)

Martha@A Sense of Humor is Essential said...

Happy Birthday to your beautiful Bean and his wonderful parents. Such a cutie pie, thanks for sharing the love for your precious boy.

IF Optimist, then... said...

Happy Birthday Bean! Although I have only met you once, you seemed like an excellent gentleman. I'm so glad you are a sweet and considerate boy and that you give so much love to your Mommy and soon your brothers.

Lisa said...

This is the sweetest post!!!!

Michelle said...

Aww Happy Birthday Bean! You are uch a cutie! You are going to be a heart breaker.

Lisa said...

happy birthday bean! what a sweet post and I know you are going to make a great big brother very soon!! (and i still owe mommy an email...its coming!!) :)

Hilary said...

That was the sweetest love letter I have ever read! It made me tear up. Your Bean is such a cutie pie, and looks like a good and kind little boy.

Red said...

What a lovely letter. Bean always sounds so adorable. Happy Birthday Bean!

Bean seems so different to my loud, energetic go-getter of a son, but reading what you write about him really opens my eyes to the wonderfulness of the quieter people in life.

I think Champ is a product of upbringing, I generally like and am drawn to people who are in the centre of the crowd rather than on the fringe and I am sure that my beleifs have influenced who he is in that way. But since reading about your son, I am more aware that the kids who are clinging to their Mummy at playgroup rather than straight in to the sandpit (like Champ) have a lovely quietness to their nature which I shouldn't overlook.

Maybe I'll try to raise Lucky as more of a quiet one (my husband will thank me!).

Michele said...

Happy Birthday, Bean!!!

Kristi said...

Happy Birthday, Super-Cute Bean! You are in for one wild ride in a month or so, and I know you are going to be a great big brother!