to my sweet boy on mothers' day

I told your Daddy last night that I had come to understand what mothers' day is all about for me--it's not about being celebrated (although, when you're older I'd love any picture you could draw, song you could sing, etc.), but it's a chance for me to celebrate the wonderful chance I've had to become a mother. Every day I do motherly things, but I don't always take the time to think about how fortunate I am to actually be your mother.

I'm sure most mothers (and fathers) feel the way I do, but I just feel like the luckiest mom in the whole world to have you for a child. At your tender age of almost 11 months (man, I can't believe that) you have already brought me so much joy.

The best days are the ones I get to spend hanging out with you. Nothing makes me happy like seeing your wide smile when I go in to pick you up out of your crib when you wake up. You're always at your most huggy when I pick you up. After you get up at about 6 or 6:30, daddy and I like to put you between us in bed. Miles climbs up at your feet, you have a morning bottle and we curl up next to you and catch up on the news for an hour before daddy starts work.

You and I have some toast or some oatmeal and play for a while, then when you get sleepy you crawl over to me and put your head down on my chest. That's my cue to put you down for your morning nap, but I like to get some good cuddling in before I tuck you in.

When you get up we have some lunch (you really like anything with tomato sauce and love vanilla yogurt) and play until daddy's done working. Most days we read some Dr. Seuss or other cool stories (you really like my boris the whale voice) or watch some Hola Bebe to practice our Spanish.

When daddy gets off work, some days we'll pack up the stroller and take you and MD for a walk. Then we'll come home and you'll have a nap. Then when you wake up we have dinner. Then some more playing and then it's time for bed. We get you ready for bed, read your goodnight seattle book, sing you the song daddy wrote and kiss you goodnight.

Then daddy and I stay awake for a few more hours, mostly talking about all of the cool new things you are doing, and what you seemed to like eating that day. Before we go to bed, we check in on you and leave your door open, so we can hear you in the next room. You look so cute when you're asleep.

I feel so special on my first mothers' day to have you for a son. Sweet dreams, mommy loves you.