Happy Birthday Caleb!

It's hard to believe that Caleb is celebrating his 2nd birthday in a couple days.  Where did the time go?!?! I have a notebook that I write to Caleb in.  I'm not always great about writing in it; but, for Caleb's birthday, I wrote him this letter that I thought I'd share.

Dear Caleb,

Two years ago you entered my life at 1:32 A.M.  As I think back to that day, I smile with joy and continue to smile as I recall the wonderful boy you are. 

Here are some of my favorite memories of you over the past year. 

When I was pregnant with your sister, especially during months five through nine, you took good care of me.  You were always eager to point out a place to sit and insisted that I sit down.

You brush the hair out of my eyes and as of late, you will even rub your hand through my hair, like I do to you.

We went for a walk around the track at the high school.  There were middle schoolers practicing football and you were so excited to sit and watch.  Even though you didn’t know who they were, you would clap and cheer for them.

Watching you love on your sister.  You want to give her a kiss whenever she wakes up from sleeping.  You lay on the floor and talk to her.  When she cries, you make sure she’s taken care of.  You get excited to see her and make sure we never leave her behind. 

You love to dance.  Turn on the music (oldies usually) and you dance away.

When you found tomatoes, zucchini, peas, or any of the other produce in the garden, you were so excited!  You wanted to help pick them and were very excited to eat them, especially the peas, green beans and tomatoes.

Watching you learn to hike a football, plant the garden, and water the trees with your dad made me smile. 

I am grateful for you’re desire to help.  You move chairs when it’s time to mop, move shoes when I’m vacuuming, pick up your toys, and help with the laundry.  You are a great listener and great at following directions.

The past year has brought many new discoveries.  You’ve found the mulberry tree and wild blueberries.  You’ve planted a garden with dad.  You’ve welcomed with loving arms your sister.  You’ve enjoyed dancing, playing, discovering.  You’ve enjoyed time with your extended family and at the fountain.  You’ve gone for walks, pulled your wagon, pushed your cart.  You’ve given lots of hugs and kisses.  You’ve had a few tantrums.  You’ve made your dad and I smile and shake our heads in amazement of how smart you are.  You’ve blessed with me your love.

 As the book Happy Birthday Little Pookie says, "So, here's to a boy who's joyful and clever.  Happy day, happy year, happy always and ever."