While You’re Still One

Cokes,

While you’re still one: while you still scream “mommy” every morning at 6:50, from your crib.  While you still thank everyone for everything they do for you (opening a wrapper?  changing a diaper?  opening a door?) – you’re thankful “dank you, mama”.

While you still call your sisters “Barper” and “Roe-Roe”; and break it down to every one of their dance parties like no one is watching.  While you still eat EVERYTHING in sight “I want to eat”; and drag snacks out of the pantry all day long.

While you still carry your two beloved blankets (one with planes, one with elephants) around EVERYWHERE we go; and cherish your “baby” (binky) above all other things.  While you still greet everyone with a scream, and a run, and a hug. 

While I still stare at those eyelashes resting on those soft cheeks, in your cribby, during your afternoon nap; and want to freeze you just like this, for just a little longer.

It’s no secret that I had no idea what I would do with a little boy; and I shed a few tears wondering how I’d raise you and how I’d love you.  From the moment I held you in my arms, it was clear that you’d require no instruction manual.  You came to us fully capable of everything – in fact, if your dad and I were ever to produce a Saint or a Prodigy, it would be you.

You’ve never required a baby gate, you never used a bottle, you taught yourself how to use utensils, and are speaking in full sentences at age one.

You have an incredible power and influence of peace in this family.  You are a happiness and calm that carries us all along; and like all of my babies, you deeply inspire me to be better.

I always want to hold on to the way your little eyes light up when you’re excited (“wow”); and how your chubby little legs look when you run in a diaper. How you always stink; and how I feel like I change you 20 times a day.  How obsessed you are with your daddy and cars (“vroom, VRoom, VRROOOM!”), how you ride your scooter like you’re ten years old, and how you’ve managed to wrap everyone around your fat, little finger.

You are deathly afraid of the Rumba Vacuum, and are cautious and careful about everything – but most importantly, in every situation, you always stand up for the underdog (at age one).  I hope you never change.

Co-co, as this year comes to a close and you inch closer to becoming a teenager (smile), because we swear you’ve never been an infant, I just want to thank YOU for reminding me to be grateful, and polite, and kind.  For reminding us all that there is wonder in everything (“wow”), that there is always hope shining brightly before us, and that all you really need is: food.

I love you forever,

-mama