I remember the first moment I became your mother, and a mother for the first time. You wailed with lungs just like your Daddy’s and then settled into my arms, skin to skin. I didn’t know how to hold you ‘properly’ or everything that being a mother really meant. But I knew that I loved you more than I thought I could ever love anyone. I knew that my life existed before you, but suddenly I couldn’t imagine life any other way.
We’ve learned together how to be mother and son. We’ve struggled and achieved together, learning to nurse, to swaddle, to co-sleep, to bottle-feed, to eat, to squiggle, to crawl, to walk, to talk, everything in between and beyond.
You arrived four years ago mostly who you are and who you will continue to be. And I’ve loved you more each and every day. I feel so blessed to be here to support you and observe your heart, your empathy, and your genuine love for life. Your words make me laugh and love harder than I ever have. My heart overflows every time I hear your contagious laugh (just like your Daddy’s). And your unwavering spirit and energy both amaze me and challenge me to be better.
Every moment together has changed me. Your joys are my greatest joys. Your sorrows are mine as well. You give me patience. You give me strength. You give me resilience. You have taught me to slow down, appreciate every moment, and focus on the present.
I will forever remember all the firsts we experienced together. I will forever treasure the way you caress my face and lips for comfort. I will forever feel blessed for all the quiet moments you have spent in my arms, all the late nights and early mornings where the only thing I could hear was your sweet breaths.
Soon we will welcome your baby sister. While life may feel turned upside down for awhile, my love for you will only exponentially grow. You will be forever be my first born, my baby, my son. And I’ll always hold dear the times when it was just the two of us. I love you sweet Braden with all that I am.
