Look at you my beautiful boy! You are 2 1/2 years old and you amaze me more than any other human. Your smile makes me smile more than anything else in this whole world. Your hugs and kisses fill my heart to a point where I think it might explode. I watch you grow and learn new things daily and my pride for you swells bigger and bigger. You simply amaze me.

Ever since you were a baby you have known what you liked and didn't like, what you wanted and didn't want. That wasn't always easy on me because you couldn't tell me what you wanted but you knew, you always knew. You couldn't be stopped when you figured out you could move faster on two legs than four. You started walking at exactly 8 1/2 months old and haven't slowed down since.

You have moved on to three syllable words and are using in them in the appropriate contexts. Your logic is spot on--you are even starting to stump mommy and daddy in our responses to you. You are a smart boy and I pray your curiosity for life and learning never slows down.

I do have one request though-- please don't grow up too fast! I have recently heard you call me 'mom' more frequently than 'mommy.' I know this sounds silly but this makes me sad. It shows me that you are growing up, and growing up fast. I am so scared that I am going to miss moments, and I don't want to miss any moments. I try to stay present, but life is life and people are busy, and sometimes I miss things.  I am scared in the chaos of every day life, I might miss the wonder that is you.

So my love, if you see me just staring at you from time to time, it's because I am trying to soak up all that is you. I am trying to memorize your expressions, actions, and words. I am trying to hold on to to that day and that moment. Life moves fast and childhood is quick and I want to remember this. I want to remember you at all your wonderful stages. You are the best thing to ever happened to me, and I know you will continue to amaze me as you grow. For now though, please, please call me mommy for a little longer.