sweet b,
are you really four? are you the same little boy that daddy and i welcomed into our arms a few years ago. i have a few vivid memories of the day you were born- but the one that comes back clear to me today was the way the sun streaked into our room as dr. irwin held you up for me to see after you took your first breath. you were born late in the afternoon and our room had big windows overlooking the courtyard of the hospital- the drapes were pulled as wide as they would go- i suppose it is fitting that sunshine seemed to announce you, because that is what you have become to us.
you thrive on making us smile- you are most content when you feel delighted in- when you are given a choice you'll often choose what you know others would like, just to make them happy---like when you counted all of your birthday money and realized (i'm sure atlee hinted) that you had enough to buy her favorite toy-you came running to me so excited yelling "i want to buy something for at-wee- i have enough!!"
a few days ago i served you fruit salad with your lunch, i disappeared for a few minutes and walked back into the kitchen to find that you had dumped your entire bowl onto the rug under our table- you told me that you were looking for more mangos-my annoyance spread like the blueberry juice that was seeping into my new sand colored rug. i am quite sure that you realized this because after we had cleaned it all up you asked me my favorite color and then a few minutes later you brought me a piece of notebook paper with blue and pink scribbles all over it- it wasn't your best work, but it is currently my favorite piece of art. i hung it by my desk to remind myself how much you want to please me- and how sensitive you are to my disapproval. although at times you need correction, i want you to feel confident of all the good i see in you- and of the big love i feel for you.
nearly every night i find myself staring at you as you sleep- your peaceful rest and your precious little face...you don't even budge as i stroke your cheek and kiss your forehead. happy, happy birthday little love.
6 comments:
Happy birthday to such a sweet boy!
Oh my goodness, Nikki. I don't think it gets any better than that.
Your absolute "adorement" and love for your children JUMP OFF the screen when you write about them-- and into my heart.
And why is it that my 2 kids birthdays follow shortly after yours?? Your letters raise the bar.
nik, just amazing. love that little guy. i learn so much from watching you with your babes.
Nikki - I am Clayton and Andrew's cousin...I am not even sure any more how I stumbled onto your blog, but I love reading about your incredible family! What beautiful and precious kiddos you and Jeff have. I always enjoy seeing Jeff whenever our paths cross at McCleskey family events.
- Alison
Oh my goodness...I can't believe how old everyone is! I thought it was just yesterday when I was changing your sweet children's diapers! :) I found your blog through Krista's and I'm so happy! I miss all of you SO much! I can't catch up right at the moment, but I will soon! Please let me know what y'all are up to...I miss and love you all!
this is the sweetest letter ever.
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