Happy Two!

To my sweet boy on your second birthday...

Dear Gavin,

Today you are officially two years old! (you've actually told everyone you're two for the past six months or so, but today you are two, so enjoy the truth in that) Where do I even begin? I guess maybe back where it all began... I remember when we first found out you were in Mama's belly. It was Thanksgiving and we were living in Virginia at the time. Your cousins were visiting for the holiday and we were all hanging around playing, talking and waiting for Uncle Dave's turkey to be ready. We had been hoping to have good baby news sometime soon but with company in town I suppose I got a little busy and forgot to look out for those new pregnancy symptoms. After a few jokes about how I could be expecting, Daddy got a little anxious and ran out to the store for a few home pregnancy tests, which he insisted I take while we waited for dinner. Although I felt a little pressure wondering what would come of it, as soon as Daddy's eyes glanced up from those results I knew what would be. It was you! You were growing inside me and the instant love and happiness was overwhelming us both. I talked to Daddy about waiting until later to share the news so that we could just relax and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and he agreed. Until we walked into the next room and Daddy was so excited that he yelled, "LYNDEN'S PREGNANT!!!" and our secret was no more. We celebrated and from that point on we anticipated your arrival all throughout those winter months, a giant move back up north, a hot, hot summer, and a stint at Nana and Pepere's house while we looked for a place to call our own... Phewww. What a long nine months! 

And then you came. You played it nice and slow with delivery, just like your big brothers did...making sure to give me plenty of time to walk the halls of the hospital a bajillion times and eat ice chips in bed while Daddy and I watched old John Travolta movies on the hospital tv. It was actually kinda nice waiting for you. Brothers were anxiously awaiting at home and Daddy and I could relax and enjoy a few moments while we anticipated your arrival. When you made your big appearance we couldn't believe how beautiful you were. The most handsome little baby (along with Owen and Mason) that we had ever seen. You had plenty of hair, so dark and shimmering with golden highlights that the nurses all coveted. Your skin was perfectly smooth and soft, almost sun kissed even. It's like you had been preparing for your big day somehow. We were so in love. We took turns snuggling you, kissing you, smelling your fresh baby goodness. Daddy was just amazed every time he held you. Watching the two of you together made me fall in love with him all over again, too. And just when we thought you couldn't be any more loved, your brothers came to meet you. It was instant pride that came over them. Such joy and excitement beaming from their smiles. They couldn't wait to hold you and show you off to everyone who came to visit. You were everything we hoped for and more.

Where did the time go? Two years too soon. My sweet, baby boy who is not quite a baby anymore is already two years old. The love and excitement we had for you in the beginning has only multiplied since then and is growing more and more every day. You are such a light in our family, our baby. Your brothers too...they cherish you more than I could ever ask for. They love and protect you, are so eager to teach you and care for you and even more proud with every accomplishment you gain. My heart is exploding with love every time I see the three of you sharing those special moments and I know it will never change. You boys have hearts of gold. So full of love for everyone in your lives, so appreciative and caring, reminding Daddy and I to be our best too. You inspire me to be better, little one. I want nothing more than to be the best Mama to you three boys and you make me so proud to do it every day. These past two years with you have been a dream and although it's hard to see my little one grow up, the person you are becoming makes me look forward to tomorrow. Each day with you is something new and while two may not be a baby anymore, you will always be my baby... So bring it on two! We're ready with open arms to see what new things you've got in store for us... (but please take it easy with the terrible part) We love you sweet boy!

Happy Birthday Gavin! 

Love, Love Love, 

Mama

xxoo

PS. Your Birth Announcement! (so glad you weren't a dolphin)