Two years ago yesterday your mom and I sat in a pancake house eating breakfast on a damp and chilly Sunday morning in March.
These are not the tiny details I typically remember from years past, but circumstances were anything but ordinary. Your mom looked at me in an utter state of discomfort and said she wanted to get this baby out of her. She was a few days shy of 9 months pregnant.
Because of the chilly weather we walked indoors at Target. We would walk a few feet and stop so she could put some things in the cart, and then we’d walk some more. We pressed on for what felt like hours. It slowly became one of the most expensive “walks” I’ve ever taken, due to the location, and proximity to retail goods.
The walk had the desired impact physically, because later on that night, we went to the hospital, and she had you. I’ve written about that part, the scare that you put us through, and some of the stupid things I said in the moment as well.
After a lot of craziness, the doctors pulled you out and we heard you cry. It’s a sound and a moment I won’t ever forget. Holding you in those first few minutes, all I could think is how lucky we were—and still are. I kept thinking how scary everything is because I’ve never done this before, and how small even the largest infants can feel (9 pounds 7 ounces). I didn’t want to damage or break you, but you’ve proven resilient.
I promise not to bring these kinds of details up on every birthday. But I bring it up this time, only to say that so much has changed. You’ve grown from that tiny infant into a handsome young boy—and it’s been a privilege to watch this transformation every single day. Every time we begin looking at old pictures we inevitably circle back to how quick this transformation occurred.
Your personality has kept pace with your physical growth, and I hope it continues to develop. You’ve been blessed with a full-bodied smile that can light up a room. I know you’ll do well with that gift.
I love watching your interests develop and shift over time. I love seeing you dance to the music, play with your favorite toys, and interact with your family (even the cat). I wish I had more to offer you as far as wordly wisdom but those moments will come.
For now, I just want you to continue being so happy and imaginative. I hope your curiosity for your surroundings is something that never goes away. I hope you continue your desire to make others laugh. Those are the things that make the world yours.
I love you. We love you. Happy birthday.
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