happy birthday baby boy

nobody@vox.com(Megan) — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 17:05:11 -0800

Eight years ago today, my sister gave me the most beautiful gift anyone has ever received. She held my hand, and gave birth to Ian James, the first baby I watched being born, the first minute old person I've held, and the first child that taught me about truly unconditional love.

I thought I understood all kinds of things, after all, I was twenty, almost twenty-one. But in those thirty seconds or so, between his arrival, and his first breath, I learned things that I'll never forget. I learned how quickly I can fall in love, and how fast my heart will try to bargain with God, when the one I love doesn't seem to be breathing. I learned that I'll never be able to repay my sister for making me an aunt, unless I'm able to make her one in return. And also, I learned that until I have a child of my own, I'll never understand the depth of my own mother's love.

One very small boy taught me that, all in the space of less than thirty seconds. And today is his birthday. He sent me an email, announcing that fact, and I told him, "Happy Birthday baby boy! I love you so much, and I'm so glad you're mine." He wrote back, "I got a skatboard." But my mother, who was helping him email me, told me that he looked up at her, after reading my words, and said, "I love being Tia's baby boy."

ian

He's kind, generous and thoughtful beyond his years. Give him a dollar to spend at the dollar store, and without fail, he'll buy a gift for someone. He takes care of his younger sister even though she terrorizes him, and wants to teach his baby brother how to be just like him. He still wants to cuddle, even though he's too big for my lap, and he's quick to crack a joke that shows how smart he is, and how quick he catches on to humor.

I know it's still early to say such things, but I already know I'm going to be so proud of the man he becomes, even if I still call him my baby boy.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

bright things

happy birthday baby boy