A Letter to my Son, on his Second Birthday

My Dearest Liam-
Last week we celebrated your second birthday. My apologies for the tardiness, you see we recently moved. And I started a new job. And you started part-time day care. All within a week. And son, this is how I shall begin your letter, because this has been your life thus far, full of change.

I figured out that you’d lived in four places before you turned two. That’s pretty impressive! And yet, you just simply fit right in to whatever situation you are in, bringing joy and happiness to those around you. Your daycare teacher remarked how amazed she has been at your ability to transition with no prior day care experience. She wanted to know if your sleep or behavior had changed at all at home. I said no, this is just Liam, he happily fits right in to whatever is going on. I’m not sure if this is more related to the fact that you are a second child, or that our last two years have been so dynamic, but either way, you are just happy to be along for the ride. And that, my son, is my favorite trait of yours- your ability to be joyful in most every situation. It’s a trait we can all aspire to, but one that you have mastered at the age of two.

Liam Charles, your love in life is still your Bear. This bear is now worn, it smells, and it’s not at all attractive, but you love that little guy. When you want Bear you look at me and raise your hands in the air by your shoulders, palms up, and babble some phrase that sounds nothing like English, but is the exact same every time, as if to say “where’s Bear?” As a matter of fact, we had a bear themed birthday party for you, because I couldn’t think of anything you liked more than that Bear. Bear has become a true part of our family and we have spent many, many hours of our lives looking for him when he may have been misplaced at bedtime, when you get hurt, or just when you start asking about his whereabouts. Recently you were in a wedding and you even walked down that aisle with your buddy, Bear.

You also love milk and ask for it multiple times a day. I think you’ve figured out if you actually open the fridge and drag the milk carton to us we are more likely to give it to you. After all, that’s a lot of effort for a little guy. If had to pick a favorite thing you like to do, it would be to play with your brother. You think he is just the best toy ever and you scream and scream with delight as he chases you throughout the house. Whatever he is doing, you want to be doing too, and you copy his gestures, his actions and his words. There is nothing that brings me more joy than to see the two of you giggling together. For the most part, you’re happy doing most anything, but I can say with certainty that you do not like getting your hair cut. Nor do you like to sit still, as anyone who has ever met you knows. But other than that, if it’s an adventure, or an activity, or a toy, count you in.

Liam, you are a true light in my life. When I see those big, round, brown eyes looking at me and those full lips smiling at me, I can’t help but wonder how I got so lucky. When you wander around the house saying “Mama, Mama, Mama,” I smile and enjoy the sound. When you cuddle up next to me, Bear in one hand and a sippy of milk in the other, I know for certain we are both filled with happiness. Liam Charles, you are such an incredible blessing and I am so, so, so grateful to be your Mama.

I love you Liam,
Mama