Monday, January 27, 2014

Because of You

Because of you, I haven't slept in 2 years.

Because of you, I now know that 3 is not "just one more" than 2. 3 is 10 times more than 2.

Because of you, people look at me a little funny when I tell them how many kids I have. Maybe not a funny look, maybe it's more sympathetic.

Because of you, "cute" has a new definition. I know Mike and I make good looking kids, but having three adorable kids is just too much :)

Because of you, I know that when poop gets under tiny fingernails, it's hard to get out!

Because of you, I know that not all children will hold your hand just because you ask them to. Some kids need to be taught this skill.

Because of you, my new favorite word is "snack". And I will never hear it the same way ever again. I will always hear your little voice yelling "NAAAACK"!! Always.

Because of you I have seen true love between 2 brothers. And it is heart-melting.

Because of you, I know what it means to have my family complete. I know what it means to have a full life and a full heart.

Because of you, I know that my friends are amazing. And when I'm having a terrible day and I'm on the verge of breaking down, they get me. They'll be there for me. And they love you too, which makes me think you're a pretty great kid already!

Because of you, I have now witnessed with my own eyes a toddler crawl out of his crib and land on his feet. I know this is nothing new for most people with kids, but it took me 7 years of being a mom before it happened to me.

Because of you, I now know how hard separation anxiety is. I see your terrified face and it breaks my heart. Even though I know you'll be fine the second I'm out of site, the anxiety hits me too.

Because of you, I know that God instills personalities in children before they are born.  How else could three children raised in the same house with the same parents be SO different?

Because of you, I know that an older sister can teach the art of huffing and pouting to her very impressionable, toddler-aged brother without even knowing it. His imitations are spot.on.

Because of you, I don't care that snuggling in the middle of the night instead of putting you right back to bed (like the super nanny says to) may have long term negative effects on your sleeping. I don't care because you are my baby. The last chance I have at cuddling that little being that I've been blessed with. I don't want to let that pass for a few extra hours of un-interrupted sleep.


Because of you, I have a California kid. A west-coast baby. So now, no matter where you go in life, you'll be able to say "I was born in California". I think that's pretty cool!


Because of you, I run.

Because of you, I love BOB! And I love that BOB has changed my life. Literally. Seems silly that a jogging stroller made such a difference. But without that jogging stroller, I wouldn't have been able to train for my half-marathons. I wouldn't know how strong I am. I wouldn't have kept up with going to Stroller Strides where I can hang out with such inspirational women who are also moms. Alot of them are stronger, faster, more dedicated than me. So I see them and know that if they can do it, I can do it.

Because of you, I will never have my pre-baby bikini body back. Who am I kidding?! I never had a pre-baby bikini body :) But it's easier to blame it on you than my pathetic attempt at will power around pasta, chips, and cookies!!

Because of you, I daily have yet another reminder of how awesome my God is. And how much He blesses me even though I don't deserve it. 

So thank you, little one, for teaching me so much in only 2 years. Thank you for your sweet smiles you give me and your even sweeter kisses and hugs. Happy 2nd Birthday little monkey! (And yes, it's super late, because why would I actually do something on time?!)