A note to my son

Our baby’s memory book has a section for a letter from each parent.  As a new mom, I’ve been horribly delayed in actually getting this written.

But finally, here is my note to my son:

A NOTE TO MY SON

Almost seven months ago, you entered into our world – a strong, screaming baby boy, with an immediate curiosity about your surroundings.  Your dad and I had waited so long for your arrival, and we were amazed by and filled with love for this new, incredible little being.  Over these past months, that love and amazement has grown exponentially – cuddling you, seeing your first smile, watching you learn to crawl and stand, seeing how your personality develops…my heart melts every time you laugh.  You have brought so much joy and love to our lives in just these past few months; I cannot even begin to fathom the coming years and decades.  

Any mother has hopes and dreams for her child.  I hope that I help you grow into the person that you want to become.  These are my 5 simple wishes for you, from what I’ve learned about you in our short time together:

1.   I hope you keep your natural curiosity about the world.  After comments about your strength and big eyes, everyone comments on your alertness—and you have been like this since the moment you were born.  Just an hour after birth, you watched the sunrise on Easter morning with your dad from the hospital window.  In your first weeks, you just wanted to be held and to study each new face.  You’ve been on the move since you were three months old.  You are happiest when we are out of the house, exploring nature or even just shopping in the grocery store.  You love to try new foods. Today, I watch as you crawl around the apartment and explore new areas. 

I hope that you never lose this curiosity, and always keep a keen interest in the world around you.  I hope that this curiosity keeps you open-minded, with a desire to learn, to explore, to question, and to seek the difficult answers.

2.    I hope that you remain stubborn (well, in a good way…and not against your mother!).   As your dad will say, your stubbornness comes from your mom.  Sometimes, I’m sure this stubbornness will cause problems – like when you refused to turn to be born naturally or when you refuse to go to sleep for your parents.  But, at other times, this stubbornness will push you forward.  You already don’t give up.  You are determined to walk, and you practice standing nearly every waking hour.  Stand. Fall Stand. Fall.  You are amazing in your determination, and your stubbornness to learn and get on the move.

My hope for you is that you find the positive aspects of your stubbornness, and use these to push you to achieve your goals and dreams.  I hope that you don't become complacent, but find a balance where you also don't become too hard-headed.    

3.   I hope that you continue to love and be loved.  You are a people-baby, and I hope that you become a people-person.  You smile at everyone we pass, and love to be surrounded by other people, babies, and even animals.  I hope that you continue to spread this love easily, and do not find reasons to become jaded or overly distrustful of others.  I hope that others see the special person you are through these interactions, and love you in return.  And, I hope that we get to meet and and love the special people in your life as you grow.

4.   I hope that you are happy and find happiness.  You have been a happy, peaceful little boy from the moment that we first met you.  I hope that you keep this good-natured, goofy personality, and are able to find happiness in the everyday happenings of your life.  I hope that you spread this happiness to those around you.

5.   I hope that you always know how loved you are by your parents.  Finally, I hope that you always know that your parents are there for you, love you, support you, and are in absolute amazement of you.  

I cannot believe how much you have grown and changed these past months (and how quickly!).  I wish I could slow time to savor every moment more fully.  I look forward to an amazing lifetime with you, and feel so lucky to have you as my son.