I Could Kiss Your Face a Thousand Times

My little boy. Has it been 2 years already? Since I first saw your face. Since I first held you?

I'll never forget our rocky start. And today I promise to spend at least two straight hours feeling nothing but joy that you survived.

I don't think about our ordeal much at all. It's easy to forget what a sick baby you were when there's nothing sick about the boy you've become -- no motor skill delays, no hearing loss, no cognitive set backs -- nothing. If anything you're more agile than most and beat your brother to the sliding board.

What can I say, my Augustine Ambrose, but I love you. You took me from being a girl with a baby to a mom with 2 kids. You stretched me and made me realize my capabilities. I never knew I could be so strong.

Today you are two. You're my firecracker, my spitfire, my beautiful tornado. Your veins pump pure diesel fuel. And while you exhaust me beyond words, you give me life.

"May the Lord bless you and keep you
May He make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace."

Happy Birthday, Manchop!

(*We cheated and had cake last night with cousins.)