dear garrison,

Happy second birthday, dearest boy.

Saturday your dad and I were talking about how incredible it is that we have a two year old. We recounted the day you were born. This time it was different. Last year, we talked about the emotional aspects of the day, it seems (at least that's what I wrote about). Saturday night we focused on the funny and challenging parts. I think it's fitting for the time of your development that we are in--you are both funny and challenging.

Funny, because you make us laugh all the time. When you see a dog you do a little happy dance. You are an exuberant and happy boy, who finds joy in the mundane (like pouring things). I can't help but feel giddy when I see your smile or feel you come up behind me with a hug.

Challenging, because communicating is hard. I know you have so much to say, and it just can't come out quite right. You are working very hard at it, and are making great strides. I'd like you to practice your words for foods other than "chip," "iiick" (yogurt) and "cookie." We'll get it all figured out and you'll learn all the words. I know it's frustrating, but keep trying and daddy and I will work hard too. Daddy's good at talking to people in other languages from all the travels, so I feel we've got a big advantage!

I look forward to hearing all about what you think about the world around you. I know you've probably got lots of questions about the sky and dogs and stuff like that. I'm just glad we have the internet.

I'm so happy I get to watch you grow up.

I love you more than chocolate,
mommy

you are an amazingly sweet, little boy.

Dear Garrison,
This week we've been visiting Grams and Papaw in Springfield. We've been having a good time, especially today, you seem to feel like your normal happy self. I think earlier this week your 16th tooth coming was causing you some discomfort. Not to mention the fact that you likely miss your dad and dog.

Anyway, I was having a talk with Grams and Papaw. Something to the effect of "I can't believe how lucky I am to have such great parents..." and I was a little emotional (yes, there were tears). You noticed my tears and you tried to make me feel comforted. You were on Grams' lap and you turned to me and reached up and smiled. I melted. I picked you up and you wrapped your arms around my neck and squeezed me tightly, like you do when I pick you up after a nap. Then after holding on tight for a long time you loosened your grasp long enough to lean back and look at my face. I had to smile at you and you, of course, smiled back with that wide toothy smile and those precious dimples you have.

How is it that you know, at the tender age of not quite 16 months old to be so sweet? How is it that I am so lucky to have such a loving child?

I will always remember that moment. It touched me so deeply, and, not to sound silly, but it reminded me so much of the sweet way that miles davis always tries to kiss away my tears and climb into my lap when I see a sad movie. (maybe you learned it from him, he did teach you one of your first words--ooof oof! HA!)

Anyway, thanks, my sweet boy. I love you to pieces.
mommy

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.