Dear Son,

You won't remember many of the moments from the first few years of your life, although these are the moments that will forever impact you as you grow up. You and your sister are my greatest accomplishments, and I want you to know that I fall more and more in love with you as I watch you grow. I hope you realize the power of words and remember these words from some of our favorite stories. “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always. As long as I’m living, my baby, you’ll be.”

You won't remember the months we spent preparing for your arrival. I was so ready to be your mom. As we painted your nursery, bought baby clothes, and packed our hospital bags, I never could have imagined the feeling I had when I first held you in my arms. Remember to always be prepared. Also remember that you can’t always prepare for what life throws at you. “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.”

You won't remember the endless nights we spent feeding and rocking you, praying that you would sleep. Remember to always get a full night’s sleep. I hope you work hard to achieve your dreams, but never overwork yourself. Always enjoy the little things in life. “Goodnight stars, goodnight air, goodnight noises everywhere.”

You won't remember the way you looked at your baby sister for the first time. With awe and curiosity, you learned to treat her gently, and you became completely enamored with her in her first few months. Remember to always treat women with respect. I hope that you will find your soulmate someday; and that you will show her appreciation, kindness, and courtesy. “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

You won't remember these adventurous, talkative toddler days. As you transition from a baby to a little boy, you won't remember how you’ve learned to exude your passion, fearlessness, strong willed personality into everything you do. Remember to carry these traits with you into adulthood. I hope you always stand up for what you believe in and fight for what is right. “Oh, the places you’ll go.”

You won't remember your older relatives, who we said goodbye to when you were just a baby. They would have loved watching you grow, and are always watching you from Heaven. The people who made our family as strong as it is will pass down that strength through us to you. Remember how important the bond of family is, and all of the people who love you so much. I hope you live life to the fullest, laugh until you cry, and love endlessly. “There’s no place like home.”

Most importantly, I hope you remember to always be yourself. Remember where you came from but don’t be afraid to expand your horizons. I know you will do great things by how strong and confident you are already. I know you will be kind and loving by how sweet you are already. I know you will accomplish great things because of how smart and intuitive you are already. Thank you for being a mama’s boy, and thank you for choosing me to be your mommy.

Love,

Your Mom