Dear Joshua,

Some days I look at you with amazement.  It almost seems too good to be true that you’re in my life.  You are filled with spirit, and you inspire me.

You have made the last two years fly by so fast.  In the blink of an eye you’re two years old!  I am breathless trying to catch up to the speed of your growth and development.  Everytime I thought I finally figured out something about you, you’ve already made further progress and left me in the dust.

It seems like distant memory now those nights of waking up every 2 or 3 hours to nurse you, and the endless cycle of diapers and spit-ups and laundry.  You’re no longer a little baby.  You have now officially entered into the toddler stage of life.  In this past year, you’ve learned to walk, to run, to talk, and to use the potty.  Those are some pretty major milestones, and you made it all look so easy.

You sing, you do somersaults, you dance to music, you recite pages of books, you sometimes make a complete sentance, you love to laugh, you love to help in the kitchen or pretend to make coffee for us, love going for walks, love giving Sam hugs, know how to use your camera, and just about figured out how to use the running bike.

You have no fears, and you wear your heart on your sleeve.  You’re not afraid to show your emotions, and I truly admire that about you.  I see you run after your cousin because you adore him, or hug Darcy because he is your buddy, or throw temper tantrums because that’s what you feel like is necessary.  I wish I can be more like you.

You have taught me how to be more sensitive, be patient, and let go of control.  Those were not easy lessons for me to learn, but you are a great teacher.  You taught me these things by interacting with me and giving me chance after chance to change.  You always forgive me when I mess up, and you never hold a grudge.  You inspire me to let go of my worries and inhabitions, and just dance to whatever music that comes on.

You have taught me to slow down and enjoy life.  I have let things over-cook or burn on the stove so I can give you that hug you needed, or check over your owies and wipe away your tears.  I started keeping dust bunnies on our floor because I’d rather spend time playing with you than vacuuming.  You’ve showed me that there are things more important in life than making a gourmet meal or keeping a spotless house.

The next little while is going to be an adjustment period for all of us, with the arrival of Savanna in our lives.  Your first interaction with Savanna was so amazing that I cried tears of joy after your visit in the hospital.  I really think in the long run you will be glad to have her in your life, just like I’m glad to have your Uncle Grant in my life.  You will have so much you can show her and teach her, and I can only imagine how much she will adore you.  And because of her arrival, you and I will get to spend a lot more time together in this next year.  Isn’t that cool?

You are my firstborn.  That’s a very important and special role.  You ushered in a new phase of life for me, and taught me things I never imagined learning.  That is a role that nobody can ever take on other than you.

I am very grateful to have you in my life.  I wish you all the happiness in the world on your birthday.

Love,

Mommy