Happppppy 3rd Birthday Little Man

I can't believe that a year ago tonight I was just realizing, after a blessedly good first day with Max (who we really didn't know what we'd be dealing with once he got out, i.e. if he would be able to breathe on his own), he was being prepared for transport fom Alexandria Hospital to the NICU at Georgetown Hospital to prep for potential surgery.

Luckily, he only stayed a few days and was the healthiest kid in there. I felt such a mix of intense relief for us and extreme sadness for some of the babies we saw in there. We have had our ups and downs but our little 5% chance guy appears healthy and so very normal. Whew....I think I am finally starting to take deep breaths again.

And so, here we are, 3 years later. It has all passed so quickly and my little, sweet, soft, perfect baby boy has grown into a little boy. Max, I miss sitting with your little warm body against my chest, gently rubbing your little fuzzy head as you drifted off to sleep. You really liked that. Your favorite blankie is still around and that's just fine. We like that you love it. You are just the greatest little guy!

You have become a REAL boy who loves cars and goes to the potty on his own and gives me "THE BIGGEST KISSES" he can muster and high fives! You have grown up sooooo much. Just the other night you counted to 9, prompted by the car candies that went on your car cupcakes. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9! We looked at each other, um, did you hear that? Yep. He just counted to 9.

So today was party time and, of course, the dusting of snow predicted turned out to be more like 6 inches and is still falling! Poor winter babies! Still our friends, with very little exception, came in force some with their little people in tow and celebrated the boy that I just feel so very lucky to call my very own. We ate and laughed and had cake and opened presents and just generally relaxed and had a lovely time.

Happy Birthday, Max. I am so glad you are in my life. You are truly my favorite guy/dude in the whole entire world and even though I could not even imagine how in the world I would handle a B-O-Y, there is nothing that makes me any prouder than being your mama. I know it is my job to help you grow up to be a wonderful man and I feel we are off to such a great start - like today when you thanked a guest for your present with no prompting from me at all! SO sweet! I guess you may be a little more like your big sis than we give you credit for!



All my love forever,

Mama