Dear Max,
Happy 2nd birthday! I cannot believe you are two years old. Two years ago was one of the happiest days of my life. You are my first born child and you showed me how to love far beyond what I could ever imagine. Watching you grow, change and learn these past two years has been amazing. You have gone from a ticked off little baby, (let’s face it, you hated being a baby) to a funny and smart little toddler. My dad always told me that the way I am now is how I was as a baby and young child. I cannot describe to you how true that is, and I’m sure it will prove to be true as you get older. Your little personality now as a 2 year old was evident at as young as 3 or 4 months of age. I know that sounds crazy but you will understand one day when you are a parent. You are a very silly and funny person. You love to talk and sing and play. You are willing to try new things, but sometimes you need a little push. You are very, very tenderhearted. You are patient and kind. You are joyful and happy and considerate of others.
Although your personality is what it is, you are beginning to change some too. You want to help me but you don’t want me to help you as much as you used to. I know this is you starting to be more independent. You used to follow me around everywhere and now you are taking advantage of me being gone and getting into things you shouldn’t. For example, one day I had infant Tylenol out because Jake was teething. I left the room for less than a minute to put Jake down for a nap and when I walked in the living room you had the CHILDPROOF cap off the Tylenol. Another day this past month I had the ladder out because I was changing out a light fixture. I left the room to put Jake down for a nap and in less than 1 minute you were at the top of the ladder! I was terrified and you were just standing there smiling saying, “Get down, Mama?”. Your mischievous side has come out and you are trying to see what you can get away with.
You had a great birthday party on Saturday. We had a cookie monster cake and piñata. It was fun watching you kids hit the piñata and trying to figure out why all these people were singing to you. You got lots of great new toys and books and yet you are still constantly saying, “play puzzle, Mama”. I found some puzzles for a dollar and bought you one. When I saw how much you loved it I decided to go back and buy you some more. Anyway, the puzzles are a big hit with you. It amazes me how patient you are to sit there and do them over and over again until you figure it out. These puzzles probably have about 20 pieces to them so they aren’t easy for a 2 year old, but you just keep at it.
On Sunday we went to eat at Cici’s. Aunt Jojo bought you a mustache and we had fun putting it on you and Jake and laughing and taking pictures. Oh the joys of parenthood.
You have a scratch on your arm from something and you keep telling everyone that it is a shark bite. I wonder where you came up with that.
Anytime someone gets on to you for something you usually get your feelings hurt and run to me for comfort. I am the only one you ever want when you need comfort. I always make sure that even if I have Jake I stop and put him down and hold you. You are extremely sensitive and I was, and am, the same way.
You cannot imagine how much better you have made our lives. Having children is such a drastic change from being a married couple. Parenthood has its challenges and difficulties but the payoff is unbelievable. I love you beyond words. When I put you to bed on Saturday night I just cried while I was holding you and singing to you because I am just the luckiest person ever.
Love,
Mama
