Turning 2

Tonight Gray was beyond exhausted and ready to sleep.  He didn't get much of a nap and after swimming at Ms. Dana's pool, he was worn out.  So after reading to him Happy Birthday by Dr. Seuss (special this week, and re-read several nights), we sang itsy-bitsy spider and twinkle like we do every night, but tonight I hung on to the last night of my one year old.  Tomorrow he turns two.  We snuggled, these moments are so sweet, but rare, since he only has two speeds, full and sleep.  I watched him drift off to dreamland and felt his sweet baby breath warm on my face.  I could eat this kid up.  I am so in love.
I know everyone says time flies, but boy does it.  Just two small years ago I awoke at 2am and it was time.  I remember like it was yesterday, that anxiousness, that "oh, my goodness I am finally going to meet my son" feeling.  The last hours of that life. . .I can barely remember that life, the life before mommyhood.  For this is no doubt what I was made for.  I have learned and changed so much since that little guy made his way into the world.  He has changed me, and I am still learning and changing.  Steven made me a better person when I married him, but Gray. . .he has centered me and given me such perspective.  This is a love like no other.
This past year with Gray has been incredible.  I was able to leave a full-time position so that I could stay at home more. . .something I never imagined doing, but I couldn't be happier.  Gray has learned to walk, followed by quickly running, now jumping, climbing stairs, to finding every possible way to be a dare devil and scare me to death.  He went from his first words. . .ball, dog, mamma, dada, to singing, saying please and thank-you, and being able to carry on a conversation.  He has learned ways to make me melt. . .how did he learn to take my face into his hands and look me in the eyes so sweetly?  The compassion, and emotion in this little guy is amazing.  I am so thankful to be his mommy.  I have enjoyed so much getting to know him as an individual, and I look forward to all he has yet to teach me and all I get see him share with the world.  He is my star and is destined for great things.  There is no one who will ever be a bigger advocate for you, Gray, than me.

We love you little man, more than you will ever know.  Thank you for all you have given me.