My Michael

For quite some time, I have been struggling to write a letter to each of my boys. I have the beginnings of letters but no completed product. It's been too long and it's time to get at least one done for each.

Dear Michael,

You are our little man! Ever since the day you were born, you just fit right into our lives. Everyone says how hard it is to be first-time parents and how so much changes but I honestly feel that Daddy and I were SO ready for you. All those changes didn't matter. The only tough times were related to colic and that was a hard time for you too because we had to find the right formula to calm your gassy little tummy. If that's the worst thing so far, then we are doing pretty well- I hope you feel the same way.

I can't ever express in words how much I truly love you. You sparkle in a way that lights up my life and the way that you express your thoughts and feelings these days is just amazing. I have waited a looong time to know what was on your mind. You've been talking for a while but in these most recent months, your ability to express yourself is just incredible!!! You can answer questions, bring things up on your own and even hold a nice little conversation. I love talking to you! I love it when you call me "Monny"- for some reason, you don't like to say Mommy? Maybe some day you can tell me about that :)

I love it when you say "I love you"...I love when ask for a "tiss" on your boo-boos...I love when you give smoochy kisses and squeezy hugs. I love when you say you would like a "sweet treat". Lately you've been referring to things as being "so cute". Probably because I say that to you and Liam about a million times a day. One particularly great moment was when you told me that my bed was "so cute"- mostly because you wanted to sleep there instead of in your crib. I am so lucky to be able to spend most of every day with you!! Having all this time with you is priceless and no salary could ever be worth the precious time I have shared with you. I did work full time for most of your first year and while I know you were in loving, capable hands, I know I did miss out on some things. But I also know our bond is strong and you are a happy, healthy little guy...so we must be on the right path.

I love watching you grow and learn...I don't want you to grow up too fast but I also don't want to hold you back from exploring and discovering new things each day. I hope that Daddy and I have found a good balance with that. I hope you know that our family feels so perfect with you in it and I can't imagine life without you. The beauty of your face is too much for me sometimes and I feel myself tearing up a bit when I look at your profile or when you have certain expression on your face. For some reason, I have always loved your hair- even when you were mostly bald. I love the smell of it (clean or not so clean) and I love how your skin still has its baby-softness. I love snuggling with you, running around, working on a project and most of all laughing with you!

You are my beautiful little boy and you will always be "the one who made mommy a mommy for the first time". I wish I could capture all the love that Daddy and I have for you in this letter but it's impossible to describe it completely with just words. My hope is that you feel it every day!!

I love you Michael Peter!
Love,
Monny