On the day you were born...

Shiloh James,

Two years go today we were just meeting you.  You were small and wrinkly and had a very pouty lip  You loved to sleep (which, thankfully, hasn’t changed).  You were wrapped up in a blanket so tight we could have thrown you like a football (but we didn’t!!).  You were itty bitty and needed us for everything.

I loved it. I loved sitting with you in the middle of the night.  I loved dressing you in teeny little snap-covered clothes.  I loved how your feet turned in and your knees were constantly pulled up to your tummy.  I loved how you’d sleep with your fingers in your mouth.  I loved holding you in one hand while I made lunches with the other.  I loved how your brother and sister loved you.  I loved watching your daddy wrap you up like a burrito baby.  I loved everything about your babyness.  You were, after all, my last baby.

Then you sat up and stood and walked and talked and ate real food and I was reminded every day that wherever you’re at it’s just a phase, it won’t last forever and I won’t get it back.  So I try to take it in.  I try to appreciate you.  I’m not great at it, but I do try.

I appreciate…

...how you'd stick out your tongue when you smiled.

...how you toddle around with your hands up.

...how your hair sticks up in crazy places

...how you like to feed yourself.

...how much you love playing silly games with your brother and sister.

...how you love to "help" me in the kitchen.

...getting to spend my mornings with you and enjoy your smiling company.

I love you my little man.  Happy Birthday!