An open letter to my youngest on his 4th birthday

M, when you came into the world, it wasn’t as I’d planned.  Yes, I’m a planner, and I so wanted your birth to be idyllic and empowering and lovely and calm. 

You had other plans. 

After 26 hours of labor (with quite a few unmedicated hours of back labor because you decided to turn around) and an emergency C-Section, since the cord was wrapped around your neck and arm, you were whisked away to the NICU for some time to ensure that you were ok.  Thank God you were, but little did we know that your momentous entry into the world was simply a foreshadowing of the person that you are.

You are amazing.

You are confident.

You are a force to be reckoned with.

You know no boundaries.

You view an obstacle as simply something to be conquered.

You hear no as an opportunity to try something new.

You jump in with both feet, literally.

You run headlong into new situations, new people, new adventures.

I forget sometimes that you are still little and are now just four (4) years old.  We’ve worked hard not to compare you with your older brother, especially because we know how much you look up to him and want to be like him.  You are your own person, delightfully unique and wonderfully gifted.  There are no boring moments with you around and you are quite well aware that a cute look or hugs or kisses can often soften the upset adult when you’ve done something extra dangerous.

You are entirely extra. Extra boisterous; extra loving; extra adventurous; extra loyal; extra perfect for us, your family.

We can’t wait to see what you will accomplish with your life.  It will be stupendous, it will be awe-inspiring, it will likely be full of risk, and it will be all you.  You can do whatever you have decided to do and your Dad, brother and I will be there to cheer you on every step of the way.

Happy 4th Birthday to the amazing little boy who completed our family.

Love Always,

Mom

xoxo