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