Hellobee

Dear First Born,

You won’t remember the 19 months it was you, me, and Daddy, but I will. You will only know life with a younger brother in it, but I will remember fondly all the moments we had as a family of three, and the days we spent just the two of us. On July 22, 2014 you made me a mother and your birth was one of the best things to ever happen to me.

photo by Annie Wiegers Photography

Daddy and I like to think of you as a laid-back but passionate guy. You weren’t bothered by much as a baby but when you got upset, you got really upset. The only thing that calmed you down was bouncing on mommy’s yoga ball. In fact, that’s where I first heard you giggle  I made myself sick jumping so fast the rest of the day trying desperately to hear you laugh again.

Everyone, and I mean everyone (even strangers!), think you are your Daddy’s exact mini-me but you seem to copy my voice and mannerisms and it’s absolutely adorable. Your smile is beautiful and your soft fuzzy blonde hair is my favorite. People tell me your eyes are brown but I see so many colors in them that I like to say they are hazel like your Daddy’s eyes. I can’t get enough of your sweet-smelling snuggles and I love our evening chats at the end of the day. Don’t ever lose your curiousity and sensitivity to the world around you.

You are the BEST big brother ever. It’s been beautiful to watch you welcome him into our family and I can already see your bond is strong. I know it’s not always easy but you really have demonstrated what love is all about. You two are my biggest blessings and hearing you guys laugh together reminds me of how lucky I am. I look forward to watching your relationship continue to grow.

I’m sorry if it feels like I’m always busy feeding or holding your brother and asking you to wait for my attention, but I’m not sorry you are learning patience and how to put others first.

I’m sorry you are being asked to take turns and share your toys even though it’s a very tough concept for any two-year-old to grasp, but I’m not sorry you have a built-in 24/7 childhood playmate and best buddy.

I’m sorry I expect more of you now that you are not the baby in the house, but I’m not sorry you are becoming such a polite and helpful little guy.

I’m sorry your brother has completely altered your life, but I’m not sorry there is expoentially more love and happiness in our family unit than there was before.

photo by Annie Wiegers Photography

You are my first-born, you changed everything, you made me a mother, you guided me through a crazy but fulfilling time and you asked me to rise to the occasion more than once. I am a better person because of you. I find myself in awe of how sweet you are and every day I love you more than the last. You were the best decision I’ve ever made. Thanks for being our beginning.

Love always and forever,

Mom