To my Ethan, on his 7th birthday

To my sweet Ethan...this birthday has been such a paradox. You are seven today, and this marks three months for us as a family. I feel as if you have always been here---as if I have always known you and loved you as my son. Yet the truth is that this is the first birthday we have had together. There will be so many more to come, but I am so sorry I couldn't be there for the first six. I promise to always be there---to always hang the "Happy Birthday" sign in the dining room, always ask you what you want for your birthday breakfast, and always set out the "Happy Birthday" plate for every meal on your special day. 


Ethan, you are my sweet, sensitive little boy. You have grown so much in so short a time. When we met, you were scared of your shadow, angry at all of the changes in your life and so very unsure of yourself.  Now, you are this funny, engaged little boy.  You make funny faces and grin at me from across the dinner table. At school, you may be too cool for your mommy, but at home, you are so full of love and life. You are so innocent and unassuming...you have this heart that has room for everyone. You have become Gabbi's  best friend and a source of pride and wonder for me. You play baby dolls with your sister, GI Joes with your brother, and you put everyone else before yourself. Even when I know it pains you to do it, you share every toy and take the blame when it's not your fault.  


I love your little mohawk, and how very important it is to you that be just right every morning. I love how you think about everything you do---how you want so badly to understand the things that go on around you, and how it frustrates you when you can't. You are a force of nature when you laugh, and the speediest little man on the athletic field.  There are so many things you are capable of, and I love to watch you when you realize you can do something for the first time.


My wish for you is that you grow up realizing just how incredible you are. I want you to keep your sweet heart, but realize that it is okay to stand up for yourself. You will need to be strong in this world--even stronger than you already are. I promise to always be there to help you and to push your forward. I know you can do ANYTHING, and I will always be here to remind you of that. 


I love you, my sweet boy.
Love, 
Mommy