Friday, February 19, 2010

1094 Days

Dear Luke,

On the eve of your birthday, I can't help but think about your birthday eve three years ago. As you grow older, I'm sure you'll hear about the way your brother was born. Probably more than you'd like, and so I want you to know that your birth is just as special to me. Your birth made me a mom, your birth made us a family.

From the moment my water broke three years ago, I knew my life was going to change. I just didn't know how good it'd be. I didn't know that I'd stare at you for hours, marveling at how I made you.
luke1
Watching you sleep... When you were a newborn, I kept a nightlight on all night, and I would lie next to you and watch you sleep, as only a new mother can. I still love to watch you sleep.
luke2
And loving the faces you made.
luke3
Three years later, I love you more than I ever thought possible. I love the person you've become, and I love being your mommy--even on the difficult days. Sometimes I'm not as patient with you as I should be. I hope you'll forgive me for that. Three is harder than brand new, but we're both learning together.
What I have learned is that you are beautiful and compassionate and so very thoughtful. How you hug your friends goodbye at your sitter's and say, "I wish I could play more, but it's time to go home." How you love the water so much that you must be part fish. How when you're excited, you cannot hide it.
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How you love your baby brother so much that we just can't keep you away. How the day he was born, you came charging into the hospital room, brushing right past us, saying, "I want to hold MY baby!"
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The way you love him is beautiful. Just like the way we love you. Tomorrow we'll celebrate your birthday with friends and family at your favorite place to play. I can't wait to see what three brings.

Love. Always.

24 comments:

Kaycee said...

Oh this made me teary. What a lovely post.

Happy Birthday Luke!

Sharon - Mom Generations said...

Happy Birthday Luke! What a blessed little guy you are to have such a perfect Mommy and Daddy and baby brother... a family who loves with such joy that your heart is as big as the world in giving all that love back. Your face is beautiful. Your heart is beautiful. Your life is a miracle. 3 is going to bring great and grand happiness!!!

Melissa said...

This is a very sweet letter to your son....beautiful post...

Heather @ Storming the Castle said...

What a beautiful love letter to your son. You have such a gift with words and pictures.

E said...

Happy birthday Luke!!!!

Sara Joy said...

Just beautiful, Erin.
Happy Birthday Luke!!! :D

Candi said...

Aww! Beautiful post!
Happy birthday Luke!

Brianna said...

Lovely, Erin. Just lovely. You're a beautiful mother.

Happy Birthday, Luke!

Bri

Crooked Eyebrow said...

So sweet
as is Luke

Happy Birthday Mr. Luke!

Such The Spot said...

So smart a mom you are - to already recognize that lil' bro's birth story might be a subject of contention with big bro.

I think you solved that potential problem ahead of time. ;) This was beautiful.

keli [at] kidnapped by suburbia said...

such a beautiful post about your fun, vacuum-obsessed little man.

happy birthday, luke!!

Tina said...

Happy Birthday, sweet boy!!

{I LOVE that last picture :)}

Mommafo said...

Oh!!! So adorable! Such a precious, sweet, post. That last picture turns me to jello. <3 <3 <3

shelli said...

Have a happy birthday big boy! Tell your mommy to hug you 3 times from me:)

Mary@Holy Mackerel said...

Happy Happy Birthday!!!!!

Hyacynth said...

Very happy birthday to both Luke and to you. Because his birthday means just as much for you as it does to him. :)

Erica|UPrinting said...

Happy Birthday Luke, this is a really sweet post. I love the way your mom describes you, I can see that you are a great kid. Enjoy your special day and I wish you nothing but happiness. You and your brother is so cute!

Heather said...

Happy Birthday Luke!!

What a sweet letter to him.

xo

Corinne Cunningham said...

That last picture is just so sweet!
Happy birthday to your little one :)

Momma Lioness Michele said...

I agree with Kaycee - got teary while reading this one, and seeing your gorgeous pics. My Luke will be 3 in a few weeks, he loves the water too - wonder if it's the name? :) I think it's the Pisces in them. Your words are lovely, but your photos are just stunning. The way Tommy is looking up at Luke is just the definition of love, and their little hands together - so beautiful! Happy Birthday to your sweet boy!

Cameron said...

Damn you--PUNCH PUNCH PUNCH!

Beautiful.

xoxoxo

InTheFastLane said...

And LOOK at him now! Happy Birthday Luke!

Haley said...

This is so sweet.

Happy Birthday little man!

Messy Mommy said...

I love reliving those moments. My daughter will be 3 tomorrow. It goes so fast!