I cannot even believe that it was three years ago now that my whole life was changed. When Max was born everything I knew was flipped upside down. I stopped teaching (in the classroom, anyway - I like to think I still teach SOME things to my kids) and decided to take on being a stay at home mom. Mostly because I couldn't stomach the thought of being away from Max for even an hour. I didn't want others holding him when he was young. I napped with him for hours a day when he was a baby. I fretted over every little thing. Gave the evil eye to people who so much as cleared their throat near him. I loved him so fiercely.
He made me a mommy. A role that I had wanted since before I could remember. He does me proud every single day. I couldn't be more blessed to have him for my son.
As he's grown many things have changed. I've gotten over the fact that he'll get sick. I use his (long!) naps for me time or to get things done rather than napping with him. I gladly hand him off occasionally to have a date with Ritchie or go shopping. But, I have never, not for one minute stopped loving him with all that I have.
I'm still very much his mama bear, ready to pummel anyone who threatens his happiness and I've had to learn to really cool it. Let him fail, let him experience disappointment when all I want to do is make him smile. We struggle at times. I'm strict, he's... we'll, he's 3. He pushes my buttons and he knows it. But, he also makes me smile. Makes me laugh. Makes my heart sing with joy.
He's a lover of music and trains. He needs to be snuggled when he wakes up from his nap for a good 15 minutes or all hell breaks loose. He LOVES to eat sweets and help bake them, too. He thinks that every box that shows up at our house is a present for him. He's analytical. He's cautious. He's fascinated by fire and lighters (a fact I'm trying not to let freak me out too much). He really adores Bennett, but craves his own space often. He sings at least 10 different songs all day long. He can count to 22 and sing his ABCs without fail now. He's a parrot and we have to be VERY careful what we say around him. He asks to go to "coffee donuts" (Starbucks) every day. He loves animals and is always trying to pet them (chasing squirrels at the park). He calls every kid he sees his friend. He is sweet and caring and bossy and selfish all at once. He can love like nobody I know. I'm so so so glad he's mine.
Max, you sure are loved. Happy Birthday, sweet little boy.
