Letters

I had planned to post these “letters” to the babies closer to their first birthday (last month)….but I wasn’t ready.

Their birthday was hard for me.

I spent most of the day in tears, pouring over old pictures and videos.

Morning the “loss” of my little babies.

I wanted to cling to those moments.

Terrified to admit that this stage was over, and it was only the memories that were left.

I wasn’t ready to admit they were growing up.

They are barely one month shy of their first birthday, and it seems as if they have turned into full blown toddlers overnight.

I have no idea who these amazing little people that inhabit this house are.

They surprise me everyday.

_______________________________________________________________________

 To my Daughter on her 1^st Birthday 

Where do I begin? 

My first born baby.

My beautiful little girl.

Everything changed the moment that they held you above me.

I couldn’t hold you, but my entire being embraced you.

I couldn’t stop telling your daddy how beautiful you were.

Your perfect face.
Your fiery red hair.

You were my gentle baby from the very beginning.

Quietly, and patiently enduring your brother.

I can close my eyes and still feel you, were you sat, in your own little corner.

Content to sit and wait.

Eventually, now and again, your patience would run out and you would stretch your legs, pushing him back into his own corner.

What a rumble it would be then, the two of you together.

It was then I knew-you would never let anyone push you around.

You have a will like no other.

You are stubborn and sensitive and quick tempered, and loving and determinded...

...I can't even imagine the things you are going to achieve. 

Have I told you how beautiful you are?

Because I cannot tell you enough.

Someone, someday might tell you otherwise and your feelings will be hurt.

I know.

But know that those people are in pain.

Turn your hurt into sympathy for them.

You play a charade of a serious baby.

But I know the truth.

Your eyes are always dancing, and when you finally unleash a smile, it is unmatched.
 

Your laugh is my music and I wonder how I ever lived without it.

I want the whole world for you.

I want you to never be afraid.

I want you to live for YOU,

not for me ,

not for your father.

 Just you.

I want you to spread your wings and fly as far as you want to go.

But…at the same time

I want to wrap my whole body around you and keep you from everything that might hurt you.

To be honest – I was terrified to have you.

 A daughter.

I truly believed your life would be easier if you were a boy.

You would hurt less.

You would be safer.

And in this world…

It seems that almost daily, my fears for you become truer and bolder and scarier.

But

I promise that I will not hold you back.

And

We will not live in fear.                                                    We can never live in fear.

I promise that I will never expect you to sacrifice more than your brother. 

You are such an amazing little person

You are so much like your father

You’re goofy and fun and smart.

You seem to want to learn everything, to know it, to live it.

You study things around you, and wait until you’ve almost perfected something before you try it

Whereas you brother is all about the destination you are all about the journey.

You take your time you think it through.

Then, when you figure it out, you truly enjoy the ride.

I hope you never lose this.

 You are going to be amazing. 

__________________________________________________________________________

To my Son on his 1^st Birthday

My Son.

My darling sweet little boy.

I held you in your first moments.

For one perfect minute.

Your sweet quiet face.

You completed our family.

Made us four- in perfect balance.

From the very beginning you demanded to be heard.
Stretching out in all angles inside my belly, assuring me you were there.
I can close my eyes and still feel you, your head underneath my right rib.

I would lay awake at night, feeling you and wondering who this strong willed little person was going to be?

I knew you were going to be unstoppable.


I love your fat little hands.

Dimples were your knuckles should be

Your smile is as big as your personality

From ear to ear.

You already know how to work it.

You love to dance, you hear the beat and your shoulders start to sway with a life of their own.

You love food, and indulge yourself zestfully.

Bananas, blueberries, cheese and toast are among your favorites.

You are fearless.

You tackle life head on.

Nothing seems to slow you down.

You were determined to crawl, stand and walk.

You attempt every challenge with all abandon.

Never giving up, no matter how many times you fall.

You always pick yourself up.

As you get older- I hope you never lose your drive, your determination.

Never underestimate how far hard work will get you. 

I won’t lie to you. 

You can be a frustrating child

You are so head strong.

But I don’t fault you.

I can’t

You are me.

Stubborn

Hot blooded

Passionate

Sensitive

You scowl.

You furrow .

You have the death stare mastered.

You are full of drama.

You will stand at the gate, head bent back and mouth gaping; clutching the bars, as you melt to the floor, bellowing great sobs that shouldn't be able to be produced by your tiny body.

You have so much passion.

I know you are destined to love too hard

Sometimes you seem to need me all the time

Sobbing your great sobs if you can’t be in my arms or on my lap

You propel yourself to me as fast as you can.
If I’m standing you hug my legs and cry begging me to pick you up.
If I am sitting you hurriedly climb into my lap and snuggle in.

You want me all for yourself

You will share me from time to time.
And welcome your sister onto her knee.

All three of us together to read a story, as you play with her hair

You are such a sensitive little boy.

 A strong boy.

Protect your sister always.

One day she will tell you she doesn’t need you, but don’t take it to heart. The truth is she does (whether she knows it herself or not).

You will have to be patient

But, please

Always be in her corner

Be true to yourself

You are you and that is what we love

Know that you cannot be the best at everything

We will always love you no matter what.

Respect yourself and others.

Respect for others results in respect for yourself, and forges a path to understanding, compassion and inner peace.

 You are going to be amazing.

________________________________________________________________________

To the Both of You

I know you will face pain and suffering, because that is life.  

And unfortunately, it is something I cannot keep from you.

Most importantly,

I just want you to be happy.

To know love, and hope and peace and harmony and loyalty and truth.

To know that your father and I will always love you, no matter what.

To know that you are my entire world.

To know

We wanted you more then we have wanted anything.

Thank you for completing our lives. 

Love Always,

Mama.