Dear Sam,
Two years ago early in the morning you came into our lives and we haven’t been the same since. We’ve been celebrating that special day two years ago for the past few days, with a family zoo trip and party, and we finished off today with a small family party. You are part of a loving community who came together around you for your birthday to share how special you are to all of us.
You are a unique and special little guy – and I don’t just say that because I absolutely adore you. This year we’ve watched your personality develop and express itself in your words and actions. You’re a fascinating mix of a gentle soul in a tough dude’s body, focused but not intense, relaxed and mellow but also incredibly stubborn (perhaps the most stubborn member of the family – and that’s saying something), incredibly independent and yet very loving and attached. You march to your own drum, do things at your own pace, and chart your own path. You have a dry yet goofy sense of humor, and while you have a happy heart you’re not quick to smile or laugh. You are, in short, perfectly Sammy.
This year you have discovered your new great loves – dinosaurs and baseball. You still love animals and books, but especially if they’re about dinosaurs or baseball. You’re favorite place to be is outside (always outside) especially exploring someplace new. You explore where you want to go, at your own pace, and don’t have much use for staying with the group. This can be really frustrating for me, but I know that it’s your way of going through the world.
Your sister remains your favorite person on earth. You miss her when she’s at school and will tackle her with a bear hug when she gets home. No one makes you giggle like she does and you will follow her to the ends of the earth. You and your daddy wrestle and tussle like bear cubs and you bond over your shared love of baseball and dinosaurs. You and I are still devoted to each other, and you especially come to me when you are sick, sad or need a little extra assurance. In the last year you’ve also become really attached to your grandparents (all of them) and Aunt Debbie, Uncle JP and Cousin Maddy. You’re world is becoming bigger and you love it.
You are the prince of our home and the smile in our hearts. You bring a depth and perspective to our world that is all your own, and we look forward to see what each day brings with you. Happy Birthday Bubby. We love you as much as the biggest dinosaur and then some.
Lots of love,
Your Mama