As I type, it hurts to write. But it’s the good kind. I’m caught up in a swirl of raw emotion of the fact that at this very moment, two years ago, I was in the final stretch of labor and didn’t think I could do it. Didn’t want to make another push, for fear. Fear of pain, and maybe even a little fear of what was to come.
All I wanted was to hold him and feel his delicate skin touch mine, and through all the beeping and blood-pressure checking, crying, smiling and shaking, hand holding and stalling… it came time for the greatest gift life has to give, the crescendo that is new life. The final push.
With cheeks stained from tears, I’m transported to that place in time where he made me a mother, again. And for all the times I dreamt of holding my own little ones in my arms, for all the baby names I whispered just to see which ones felt right flowing through my lips… little did I know the effect his two little years and that of his sister’s would have. The immeasurable, invaluable joy their presence brought in our home. That just loving them, knowing them, watching them, breathing them would teach me the heart-bursting, fear-quenching, soul-satisfying kind of love.
It’s a birthday. The beautiful celebration of his birth.
I try and attach words to the beauty, the heaven that is wrapped up in loving a little one and yet, it’s something that words cannot attach to, because it really is so much more. And yet, I try.
Loving him, loving them this much, stomach clenching, tears spilling… means living up to everything I hope them to be someday. I couldn’t be more honored to have the challenge of teaching them everything there is to know about this big, beautiful, wonderful life.
And yes, maybe that’s where it can get a little scary, but watching them soak up life with ferocious and yet precious intensity… every fear, every doubt goes away somehow.
Two years may not seem like a very long time, but it’s changed our family forever, for the good.
Happy Birthday, Brayden, my love. Oh, you are loved. Today we celebrate you, little two-year-old.
Adrienne says
I should know better than to read these posts of yours at work – cause now I’m crying! The fed ex guy just looked at me funny…oh well. I hang on your words – I had NO idea that motherhood would be what it was. It wasn’t a goal or dream I carried. I attached no expectation to it. Yet it has been everything. Each age and stage has brought with it the wonder and growth and more fulfillment than the last. I love the heart you have and the way you fight to attach words to these inexpressible joys. This was beautiful…happy 2nd to you and your baby!
Blissful Babe says
You have the most beautiful children of anyone I know.
Happy Birthday, Beautiful Boy!
Jessica says
Happy, happy birthday big boy! I am so grateful we got to spend so much time together your first two years, snuggling & smelling your sweet cheeks! Your mama is a wonderful friend, amazing business woman, talented artist…but most of all she is a fabulous, dedicated mother who loves you and your sister more than even her words can begin to describe. I’ve seen it. I’ve admired it. And I know how proud she is of you! Enjoy your day, sweet Bray!
Annikke says
I can’t believe he is two! I followed your blog all through the pregnancy, birth and all those cute giraffe pictures as he grew. He is so handsome! Happy Birthday!
Corey~living and loving says
oh my….the light in these shots is AMAZING! how can he be two already? my how times flies.
Gerri says
Happy Birthday Bray-man!!
Melissa Rheinlander says
Oh My Goodness… He is so handsome!! Love his smile! Happy Birthday Little Man!