Happy Birthday, Braden!

It amazes me that my baby boy is celebrating his 2nd birthday today.  Where does the time go?  It feels like only yesterday that your dad and I were in the hospital patiently, and I do mean patiently (aka 42 hours of labor) awaiting your arrival.  It was the most amazing day!  An incredible experience and moments that changed me and my life in ways I could never imagine.



Seeing and holding you for the first time, watching you look into my eyes as if to say, 'Well, hello there.  We finally meet', are all images that are imbedded in my mind and heart forever! You are amazing!        


 To you, Braden I want to say how very proud I am of you!  How you have changed my life in ways I couldn't imagine.  You teach me so much each and every day!  You are an example of unconditional love.


I love your smile, your inquisitive mind, your spirit, your logic, your humor, your sensitivity, and your affection.

I love your desire to learn and explore.  Your ability to 'stop and smell the roses' and reminding me to do the same.  Your ability bring a sense of wonder and excitement into my life.  Each day is a new day!  The chance to start over!  For this, I thank you!


Wishing you, my son, a lifetime of roses, newfound passions, excitement and unconditional love.


Happy Birthday, Braden!


Love,
Mommy




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Words of Wisdom About Your Penis.

This from my two year old...  Braden has been a little obsessed with his penis these days.  What man isn't, right?  But since the diapers came off, every potty experience is "quite the experience".


I see no harm or shame in letting him explore.  I certainly want him to be comfortable in his own body.  But sometimes he grabs his penis so hard that it turns purple.  Now, clearly I don't have one, so I can't say for sure, but squeezing that hard can't be good for it?!


I don't want to discourage him from touching himself, so, without judgement I let him know that its okay to touch it, but add, "You may want to be more gentle with your penis.  It's very important.  You'll want to use it some day for more than going potty."


To which he just looks at me and continues to squeeze it, making him giggle.


Today, after his bath, he got onto the potty and, with a firm grip, he starts squeezing his penis until it turned purple.  So I say, "Braden, why do you sometimes squeeze your penis so hard?" He looks at me with the sweetest smile and says, "Because I like how it feels.  It feels good, Mommy!"


Enough said.




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