Happy Birthday, Camden

Dear Camden,

You are THREE. I'm really not sure how that happened when it was just yesterday that I saw your tiny heartbeat flickering on the ultrasound screen and it finally hit me that I was really and truly going to be a mom. I don't know how you're already three when I promise you it was just yesterday that you were placed on my chest in the hospital and I marveled at that head full of white blonde hair. It couldn't be three years ago already, could it? Where does the time go?

The time, it turns out, passed by quickly in the form of many days, weeks, and months filled with all of the joy you've brought into our lives. My sweet boy, we tried for nearly two years to have a baby, and I have felt from the very moment my eyes met yours that you were entirely worth the wait. You are so many different things: sweet, thoughtful, kind, loving, determined, feisty, smart, funny-- you're just the perfect balance of  many different traits that make you the boy I am so proud to call my son.

I've loved every minute of watching you grow up so far. I remember the big moments so clearly: your first real smile right before we left to go to a Christmas dinner; the first time you crawled; your first clumsy steps into my arms; the first time you babbled (an angry "BABABABABA!" when you wanted out of your highchair); your first word (mama). I remember the tough moments too, of course: your tumble down the stairs when you were a year old, the (many, many) sleepless nights, the severe stranger anxiety that you finally outgrew over the past year. But the good times and happy memories have FAR outweighed those challenging parenting moments.

 Last year at this time, you could only say a handful of words. Now, after working your butt off in speech therapy for nearly a year, you're quite the conversationalist. I never get tired of hearing your stories, your songs, and yes-- even your constant questions. I don't take them for granted, because I knew what it took to get to this point. I hope you always know how proud Daddy and I are of your will and determination.

A few months ago, you became a big brother. You probably won't remember that period of your life; your memories will most likely begin with Macey already a part of our family. But I want you to know what a loving and sweet brother you've been to her. It's not always easy transitioning from only child to big brother, but you've done it remarkably well. You're constantly hugging her, talking to her, and wanting to help with her. Often, your first question when you wake in the morning is, "Where's Mace?!" And you know what? Your little sister is pretty crazy about you too. She always smiles at the sound of your cheerful voice.

Of course, I can't conclude this letter without mentioning some of your favorite things. At three years old, you love: your family, first and foremost. Playing outside. The Imagination Movers. Angry Birds. Play-Doh. Coloring, painting, and drawing. Your cousin, Will, who's your very best friend. Puzzles. Construction equipment. Singing (current favorite songs: Itsy Bitsy Spider, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Row Your Boat, and the ABCs). Using my Kindle or Nan's iPad. Having company over at the house. Football Sundays with Nan, Pop, and Chris. Helping with anything- cooking, packing Daddy's lunch, giving Macey a bath.

You and I have a daily running dialogue. You ask, "How do you love me, Mommy?" and you smile with anticipation as you wait for my response that you have memorized. "A little teeny, tiny bit," I reply as your smile gets bigger. And then, you recite along with me, "No! I love you soooo stinkin much." And I do, Camden. You're everything I could've asked for in a son; you're the perfect fit for our little family.

I love you, my first born. Thank you for making me a mommy. Happy 3rd birthday!

Love,
Mommy