730 days.

 

Dear Caleb B,

For 730 wonderful days you have been in my life. I doubt any of these days have been perfect, but all have undoubtedly been filled with the most thankfulness I have ever felt. It is amazing how giving up pieces of yourself – your time, your old ways of doing things, your body, your sleep, your lifestyle – can make you feel like you’ve gained so much.

 

I have gained so much.

 

730 days ago, I gained a 7lb 11oz little bundle in my arms. You were so perfect, I could barely breathe when I first laid eyes on you.

 

You are still perfect.

 

With every month that has passed, you’ve shown me how beautiful and profound little moments can be. And you’ve made me want to stop time and savor simply because I don’t want to miss a single second of you.

 

Just 365 days ago we were celebrating your very first birthday. You were still just my chubby little monkey man who crawled everywhere and was trying to take his first steps. I remember at your party you were trying to walk from me to your dad and you’d fall into our arms while friends and family applauded in celebration.

 

Now you run. Everywhere. And jump. And tumble. And wrestle. And tackle. You are such a boy. And you’re so much fun.

 

I cannot believe we’re celebrating two years. You’ve always been my little man, but at this stage of your life, you are a little man in the truest sense. You say the funniest things – actual sentences that make sense - and we have full-on conversations. You are a little person with a compassion and sweetness that I don’t see even in some adults. You are so kind and caring I love how God is shaping your heart.

 

You are also strong-willed. You aren’t shy about saying no and I don’t know how many times I’ve used the phrase, “Caleb, say no thank you” in the past few months. You’ve spent your fair share of time in time-out. But what I love is that you are learning. You’re learning your rights from your wrongs and how to obey even when it’s hard.

 

You still have a head full of curly hair and people still stop me all the time to tell me how awesome it is. I’m not afraid to cut it anymore because now I know it’ll grow back fast and curly.

 

Your face is one of my favorite things to look at. Your expressions are priceless – you've still got a 1,000 watt smile and a sad, pitiful frowny face. And it just kills me how serious you are when you are concentrating or watching something new for the first time.

 

You make the most adorable squeals when you’re excited. You say “bye mama, see you,” when you go somewhere with your dad. You love the movie Madagascar and are crazy about Thomas the Train. You know so many animal sounds and have started to make up silly songs. You randomly put your stuffed animals in time out.  You are always up for being chased around the house or for tackling daddy over and over and over again.

 

You are so gentle and sweet with baby Kenzie. I’ll miss you patting my belly and saying “hi baby” in your darling little voice.

 

I’m so proud of the little person you are, Caleb B. I just can't believe that God chose me be your mom for all the days of my life. It is the biggest honor and one that I love and enjoy with all of my heart.

 

Happy birthday, little man. Words can never express what I feel for you, but I will never stop trying to tell you. You are my “too good to be true,” and you’ve had my heart since day one.

Love,

Mom