Dear Max

Dear Max,

Hey there little guy. You are 2 now! I can't believe how fast the last two years have flown by. Even though I keep saying you are my baby, people keep saying you look like a little boy now. That makes me a little sad, but mostly I am pretty happy with the way you are turning out. Especially after that big scare you gave everybody in utero.

I'll be honest with you and say, I never really thought ooooie goooey thoughts about having a boy. I was like, "eh, a boy. ok." Little man, you have totally changed my perspective on so many things. It quickly became apparent with you (just as it did when your sister presented her own problems for mama while on the inside) that life is precious and delicate and to be savored. I thank you (and your sis) for putting so many things in life in perfect perspective.

I think you two have benefitted from this immensely. It has made me more of what I refer to as a slacker mom. I try not to slack in the important areas (you must be clean, fed, healthy, polite) but I will fully admit that I do not sweat the small stuff. If I worried about you as much as I want to worry about you, I would have gone crazy by now.

Anyway, my point is that I may not be the best mama in the world. Just last week I took you to see Doc G and said to him, "either he's just being 2 or his ear infection is back!" You were having quite the week. Doctor G checked out your ears, all clear. Then he kept poking around and looks in your mouth and says, "Amy his ears are fine but he's got some nice 2 year molars coming in!" I am a little slow, you'd think having been down this road once before, I'd remember things. I don't. (I also blame you and your sister for that memory loss). So here you were getting these giant painful teeth and I was trying to figure out why you were cranky in the evening and didn't want to eat.

Please bear with me through the next 16 or so years. I promise I'll try to get it right, but I know I won't always do the best job. Still, I will continue to show you compassion and love and kindness and support and gentle redirection (as needed) for as long as I am on this earth. You (and your sis, and your daddy too) have had such a powerful influence on shaping me into who I am as a woman. I am so grateful to be a part of your life. You are such a sweet little guy. Thanks for that too. I never knew my heart was capable of the amount of love in my heart. I love your adorable smiles, your stubborn little mind, I love the way you say "mama" and "puppy" (your p's almost sound like b's so its more like buppy) and even "NO" and "unt uh" (translation: No way no how), and especially "tank you" (thank you) and "ovvve you" (love you). I imagine I was a lot like you as a little kid. I relate.

Happy Birthday (a couple days late - see I told you I am a slacker, but we had a great party!)

Love,

Mama

2 Year Check-up Stats:

38 lbs

37.5 inches

A lb per inch. Right on track and off every chart! He's gonna be a tall boy.