Dear Junior

​Dear Junior,

​Hi, my dear ducky.  Bright shining light in my life.  So much of who you are brings me life and joy:  

Your smiles and giggles.  Your mischievous glint in your eye when you raise your eyebrows, as if to say, "Check this out, Mommy..."  

Your enthusiastic koala-bear hugs, the kind where you hug my neck so tight and cling to me with your legs--you give them spontaneously and freely, and melt my heart each time.  

Your affection for Bunny Blanket, and the tender way you stroke his ears, give him heartfelt besos, and light up when you see him and get to drag him around (and how you take care not to drag him by his ears, but by his neck--good girl).   

Your tremendous affection for Daddy and Mommy, and how you are happiest when both of us are around.  You are more content with Mommy by herself versus Daddy by himself, but you love it best when we both are present.  

Your increasing ability to listen and obey.  You do best when we tell you in advance what's going to happen, and you tell us that you understand (your ability to nod and say "yeah" is very helpful!).  After that, you mostly don't get upset by whatever happens next.   And more and more, you spontaneously say "thank you" (which sounds more like "ganku") at the appropriate times.  :)

You are very particular.  It's genetic--I knew it!  You take after Mommy in that way.  You like things to be in their place, and you like to keep your hands clean.  You pick out a crumb on your tray at the start of dinner and hand it to Mommy for discarding.  A little too particular, but I get a kick out of it.  :)  And it comes in handy for other things--like how you always keep your crayons at the table, put away your toys when told, and put away your duckies (upside down) at bathtime.  Hehehe.

You are very, very sweet.  You love giving out hugs, you run to Mommy brimming with glee and love for no particular reason at all.  You love being held, and can hang around in my arms, content, doing nothing in particular, for a long, long time.  It makes me think that that's how God wants us to be in His presence.  Thanks for teaching me about childlike love, little one.

You are also very, very fun.  You love to hide and seek.  You love the unexpected.  You love to make games out of anything (you get that from Daddy), and you love to giggle.  You have been so blessed with a very fun and rich life, little one.  Turn it all to gratitude and good as you grow up.

I just wanted you to know.  Mommy adores you and loves you so much.  You are such a gift, and we give tremendous thanks to God for you!

Love, 

Mommy