Noah, you are 2 and 1/2 years old!!!

Filho Amado,

What to say at your 2,5 year mark? Or should we ask what NOT to say?

You are such a little self right now, it is unbelievable. Your dad and I still can't believe we were capable conceiving such a little miracle, who is becoming more and more our little big man.

You have such an attitude, let me tell you. The other day I asked you if you were not going to come join me for dinner, and your answer was: “Actually, mom, I am busy now, fixing the fireplace!” Seriously. How can I not laugh my *** off?

You have replaced the mommy and daddy with mom and dad now. And depending on the situation it is more like: “Mo-om!” “Da-ad!”

You and your brother are starting to play more together, but are also starting to get on each other’s nerves. And of course, your brother has figured out already that you are always the one who takes the blame for hitting him, so now, as you get close to him, he already starts crying and looks at me. So mom is starting to pay more attention to when the cry is really legitimate.

You started in a new class at daycare this week. Blue Jets. Sooo grown-up! Your dad spent time with you there today. First we had to talk you into going all the way to school, stating that you are now in a big boy’s room. As we are walking to say hi to Miss Melissa before going to Blue Jets, you look at the room and say: “yes, this is the babies room…I am not here anymore!” You give her a hug and proceed happily to your room. When you get there you are so proud of yourself, and of course mom cries a bit. You said it was time for you to eat, so you grabbed your plate and cup and went and served yourself breakfast burrito, mixed fruit and milk.

As I stare at you during our nap together this past weekend, tears rolling down my eyes, I struggle to realize how much you have grown, and at the same time, how you are in so many ways still my little baby.

Your dad and I had to move all our pictures from the old computer (that died on us) to the new one this weekend too. I have been for the longest time avoiding going back and looking at baby pictures. How silly is that? Well, I took a peek…and cried some more. Looking at every phase of yours…every milestone in those pictures…it is indescribable the feeling of being your mother, Noah…and knowing that this is a title that belongs just to me…no one can ever take that away. I am the one you chose, forever, to take care of you. And for that, filho, I pray and thank God every single night and morning, and every minute for that matter, when I look at your picture.

Yesterday when I left you at daycare, you were crying, your hands were cold. You were scared of the new adventure. Today, you waved bye-bye and as I drive away I could see you talking and eating your breakfast, as happy as you could be. That is how fast you learn, that is how fast you adjust to things. You have been a sponge in the past 6 months. You have learned so much, and I have learned even more with you.

Your latest ones are: "Dad, are you listening to me?" "Mom, is dinner ready yet?" "Dad, can I open the window for just one minute?" "Mom, I am going there in just a few weeks..."

Dad and I learned too that we can no longer let you watch Shreck, unless we want you to continue to tell people they are “loosers”. Yes, you are picking up things really fast. And we already told you that is a no, no.

But like the daughter of a good friend of mine said to her: the movie won’t define you, you are already defined…you are so you that no matter what we do, you will continue to drive your way through this life, and continue to make us the happiest parents that ever lived.

When you hug me tight in the afternoon when I pick you up and you say: "I love you, mom", you make my world such a better place, Noah. I don't really know what my life was before you came, probably really boring and dull...

Thank you for being who you are. You are our special little miracle. Your dad and I called for you. We called and prayed a lot. And we are so glad we waited all that time. It was so worth it. Thanks for being ours.

Love,

Mom and Dad