Today went by, almost without incident, as any and all other normal days do. But in the back of my mind I was constantly remembering 2 years ago when my husband and I left our home and headed for the hospital...the beautiful sunrise, the smell of the spring air, running into my doctor in the elevator, strong contractions, fast labor....and then the final moment of life as I knew it and the first moment of Noah. Today in the car Noah was heartbroken because I wouldn't let him "climb" into his carseat and rather set him into it. He cried really hard...and when he does that I see that same face I saw two years ago...the exact same face. Having a baby is such a memorable experience...everything about it. I remember the sights and the smells and the people and the feel of the air. I remember specifics about everything surrounding the first month of Noah's life.
We had a beautiful party on Saturday to celebrate Noah. I made him a doggy cake, which he seemed to enjoy (and sneak frosting from). He got some nice presents...but the best part was just being surrounded by those that love my children. Many that we invited couldn't come this year...so it was a pretty small party...but it was cozy and comfortable and lovely. So today, as his real birthday rolled around, I found myself wanting to do something special to make him feel special. But as the day wore on as all normal days do...with smiles and laughs and temper tantrums and time outs and dancing and talking...I realized that I didn't need to do anything special. Just savor the moments...watching his red hair catch the light of the setting sun. Swell with joy as he danced to the music. Feel the gratitude as he chased his brother around and tried to mimic every sound and action. And hug a little longer and a little harder when it was time for bed...and maybe even squeeze out one extra slobbery kiss. This is a normal day for me...one that I strive to savor and cherish and feel. Some days I do a good job of cherishing the moments and the chaos. Other days my patience wear thin and I long for a break from the mundane and normal. I think all of this is normal. And with all of the sad that I hear of lately...to be honest...I am just thankful for normal. I am thankful that we could ring in Noah's second year of life doing what we do nearly every night...eating together, playing outside, chasing, riding, bathing, reading, laughing, hugging...loving.
Happy Second Birthday my beautiful boy...you are a gift and a blessing...and the promise of joy.
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