This morning when you realized it was your birthday you bounded out of bed, stood up proud and tall and proclaimed to me, "I bigger!" Then you said, "Look, Mommy, look what I can do" then you jumped and clapped your hands at the same time. How marvelous to be three.
The truth is that the date of your birthday has always held a special place in my heart as it is my mommy, your Beba's birthday as well. You were very excited to tell people that you share a birthday with your Beba and to sing Happy Birthday to her this morning.
I think maybe as a mother a child's birthday is a little different than it is in the view of everyone else. At least for me it is, it is not just a day a celebrate as the day you entered into our world, but it stands for me as a reminder of my strength, my perseverance, and quite honestly, plain old survival! As I write this blog, it is lunchtime. Right about the time three years ago when your Beba--foregoing all ideas of celebration--was driving me from the doctor's office to the hospital "for further observation" because things just "weren't right" with me. I don't think I will ever forget the relief I felt at having all those monitors hooked to me and having a nurse tell me that you were doing fine. This was mixed with the terrifying visit from the doctor on duty (who was AMAZING) that I was not fine and in fact the time had come, it was absolutely necessary that you be born on that day, as soon as possible.
So much has happened in three years, it is hard to wrap my mind around. I look at you and you are so big, so tall and beautiful. No matter how much parents prepare to bring their babies home, you just truly have no idea what you're doing. I second guessed everything--how to swaddle you, how to change your diaper (those first weeks with the horrible diaper rash were rough), how to feed you, how to leave you to go to the bathroom, how to sleep! Now here we are and I still have not figured out how to go to the bathroom in peace! But, I have fully embraced the "sleep when the baby sleeps" method.
Kemper, you bring us such joy. Even when these days are long and hard. Even when we have meltdowns over nap time and battles of will over using the potty. Even when all you'll eat are gummies and mac & cheese for breakfast....you bring us so much joy. You sing and dance around the house without a care in the world. You tell us about your great days at school and make us laugh with your imaginative spirit. You demand that we chase you, tickle you, and sit with you on the couch. When you tell us that you love us, or wrap our legs in a surprise hug, it is as if the world swells in order to hold all of the blessing that you are in our lives. In those moments the rest of adulthood melts away and there is only you in your perfect innocence.
As we close this chapter of your life (year two was not so terrible) and move into being three I am thankful for our recent adventures.
- You've adjusted to a new preschool and bonded with your teachers and new friends. You've loved music, soccer shots, and bricks for kids after school.
- You've enjoyed fun days at the cabin in North Carolina and embraced special time with your family in the last few weeks.
- You've spent hours at the playground as the days have grown longer and warmer, and even enjoyed some time in your kiddie pool.
- You've had your first encounter with giraffes and other wildlife at the Safari Park, a fun adventure for us to celebrate your birthday.
Thank you for being such a great kid. Thank you for forgiving us on our worst days, when tempers are short. Thank you for reminding us of the simple beauty in the world; where bugs, flowers, and bubbles reign supreme. Thank you for inviting us to play, whether it be Paw Patrol or racing cars, you make life fun. We love you so very much, as you know.
Love,
Mommy
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