A LETTER TO YOU ON YOUR FIRST BIRTHDAY…

My Hank Eddison,

Here I am, writing my second first birthday letter but this time its to you. Almost two years later than the first time I sat down to write one of these. After I wrote my first letter to your older brother, I really had no idea what our path would look like. I didn’t know if we would be blessed with another child, or how differently life would look for us. At the time if you would have told me I could love two children to the exact same capacity. I would tell you that you are crazy. That it would not be possible. But on June 8, 2019, that changed forever. I changed forever. Our family changed forever. Love is boundless and my heart was instantly big enough for two perfect little boys. You always hear parents talk about their children and how much they mean to them, but until you become a parent you don’t realize just how real those words truly are. One day my love, you will know that feeling for yourself.

You came into this world like a lightening bolt. Fast, furious and almost at home. Literally. We made it into the hospital just in time to get into a bed and start pushing. It felt like a scene out of a movie where there was screaming, swearing and running. Except this time, it was the story about you and I. And it was real life. I love our story. We were so excited and anxious to meet you. I was nervous, and had so many dreams of what you would be like. You are exactly how I pictured. June 8, 2019 at 12:54am, Hank Eddison entered this world.  All eight pounds, one ounce and twenty and a half inches of you were absolutely perfect. Bringing you into the world, really was one of my greatest accomplishments. I was so ecstatic to meet you. I never experienced the calm and collective birth with your brother, that I had with you. It was flawless. When we welcomed you earth side, you were quickly placed on my chest and we laid there for over an hour together. I will never forever that hour of my life. I remember it as if it was yesterday. I cried, I smiled, I was the definition of joyful. I was exhausted, but content. You were absolutely perfect. We starred at you that entire hour, and we were so thankful you were healthy and here, earth side. The feeling I had the moment you were born, was a rush of overwhelming love. All my worries about loving two children were washed away. Although I just met you, there was no shortage of love. You slept on my chest, while dad slept on the bed beside us. I had too much adrenaline to sleep. We spent our first night away from your brother the night you were born. And he anxiously awaited your arrival. He wasn’t sure about you at first, but his love for you grew as each day passed. And now you are the best of friends.

When we came home from the hospital, reality really set in. We knew it would be hard because we knew what to expect with you as a newborn, but we were naive about how hard it would actually be with two under two at home. I still to this day, 365 days later cannot explain the challenges we faced together. So many days are just a blur now. I had many dark days early on in your life that we trekked through together. I struggled juggling you as a newborn, and your brother as a toddler. You both needed me, and wanted my love. But we made it. With a lot of tears, defeat and overwhelming emotions. Honestly, I’m so proud of how far we have come together. With moments of defeat followed by moments of triumph. Our first year together has been the best of my entire life. I have never taken a day for granted and I never will. Life with you, is so so good.

You, my Hankers, are something special. So, so very special. And not special just because you’re my son, but because there’s something so unique and wonderful about you. You have the ability to lighten up every room and you make every situation brighter. You are quite possibly the angel baby that every parent dreams of, but not just because you’re easy, but because you’re wonderful to be around. You’re easy going, so happy my happy Hank, constantly smiling and always looking for your next adventure. You’re curious and inquisitive and sweet, yet determined. You’re the best little brother who follows your big brothers everywhere. Every day I watch you develop into a new, more mature version of yourself and I love watching what your accomplishing and learning with each day that passes. You have taught me so much about life and the little things. I will never take you for granted and I am so thankful for you. Often in life, if we are lucky we come across someone who is our “person”. Someone who gets you, and you get them. You are my person. My source of light. My happiness. My cuddle bug. My best friend. My Hankers. You my boy, are the definition of happiness. And what I love most about you is that when I look at you, I see your father. In every single way. So laid back, easy going, loving, kind, gentle and quiet.

I want you to know that you’re capable of anything. No matter how unrealistic or how difficult, please always know that you can do anything you set your mind to. I believe in you, and I hope you’ll always believe in yourself too. I pray that you’re always humble, courageous and that you take care of yourself and those around you. Always call your grandparents, tell them you love them and be there for your family and friends. I hope you’ll stand up for your beliefs, follow your dreams and find something that you LOVE and chase after it. If you don’t love it, don’t do it. Remember, money will never buy you happiness. Always make time to laugh and to have fun. Be kind, be compassionate, be loyal and honest. Be someone who helps other people. Be you. Because you are a ray of sunshine.

Over the past year I have watched you grow, roll, sit, crawl, stand and walk. You have changed from a baby to a little boy. You have the biggest personality and you are going to do wonderful things in this wild world. We love you so much, Hank. And I know so many people around you love you just as much. Although the past few months have been challenging and we haven’t been able to share you with the rest of the world, please know that you are loved. Thank you for completing our family of four, I couldn’t have prayed for a more perfect addition. Every day you teach me, inspire me, excite me and make me prouder than I ever knew I could be. I can’t wait to see who you become. I know I’ll love him just as much, if not more.

Hank Eddison,  I never thought I’d love you more than the day you were born, but it’s true. I do love you more with every day that passes. The world is yours. Happiest first birthday my boy. 365 days around the sun. Here’s too many, many more years of you. Today we will celebrate you, eat all the tacos and birthday cake.

Love always,

Mom

Thanks so much for stopping by.