Life goes so fast. One minute you have a newborn and the next he’s an on the go toddler. While every day has its share of frustrating moments, I love being Lawson (and Sybil’s) mama more than I ever dreamed possible. In honor of his half birthday on October 9th, here’s a letter to my baby.
Dear Lawson James,
How is it that my baby is already 2 1/2 years old?? It seems like yesterday I was holding you in my arms for the first time. You’ve grown so much. Sometimes I catch a glimpse of you and am in wonder of the little boy you’re becoming. Seeing you wear your backpack makes me want time to stand still. You’ll be off to school and new adventures before I am ready for it.
In the past 2 1/2 years, you’ve gone from our happy spitter that ruined outfit after outfit (for both of us) to a little boy that loves trucks, throwing, running and jumping. Bob the Builder has replaced Thomas the Train as your favorite show. You love PB&J, watermelon, eggs, cereal and anything chocolate.
After a slow start, you’re talking up a storm. You learned the letters of the alphabet (thank you PBS!) and practice any chance you get. Your favorite word changes every day. You repeat everything I say (no more swearing like a sailor for me!) and finish some of our favorite books.
One thing that remains mostly the same is our nightly routine. Dinner, play, bath, pajamas and reading books. Except now you want to read by yourself too. Putting you to bed is one of my favorite things in life. I rub your back or we hold hands and talk about our day. I tell you how much I love you and the reasons I’m proud to be your mama. There are many.
You’ve been a big brother for almost half your young life. While you don’t always show it, I know you love Sybil and will be her biggest protector and fan. She looks up to you and wants to do everything you do. Speaking from experience, she’ll be ready to fight back before you know it..so be careful.
There are so many things about this stage that I want to imprint in my memory. When I’m old(er) and grey(er), I will look back at these moments and miss the baby you once were. These are the things…
I HOPE I ALWAYS REMEMBER…
The way you say no mama in the sweetest voice.
The way you say ice (“ith”).
The way you get the leftover yogurt from your face with a spoon.
The way you reach for and hold my hand when you’re going to bed.
The way you get so excited to hit the button in the elevator.
The way you pump your arms when you run.
The way you surprise me by learning a new word every day.
The way you protect your sister when I’m least expecting it.
The way you laugh at yourself when you think you’re really funny.
The way you love to push the red button to hang up when we’re FaceTiming.
The way you build towers and then knock them down (which is fun when you do it, but not so much when Sybil does).
The way you clap and cheer for yourself.
A FEW OF MY FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE PAST 6 MONTHS…
Happy half birthday to you Lawson James. I love you with all my heart.
Love,
Your proud mama
You may also enjoy: Lawson’s birth story and Lawson’s Year One.