A piece of me

Dear Ayden- You turned 5 a month and a half ago and I’m finally going to write you a letter, as I have been intending to for some time now. You are my first born. Ok it was only be 2 minutes but someone has to be first right? You take the role very seriously. Even so, you are still very tender hearted to your brother in allowing him to “trump” you with the card that he’s bigger. I think being bigger to him must mean that he is actually older. Regardless you have 2 minutes on him, we both know it and that’s all that matters. When I was pregnant with you and Caleb I prayed night and day that I would have a long term and successful pregnancy and that you would both be healthy. When you were born it was all a blur but somewhere in there your dad told me that they were calling specialists in to listen to your chest because you had labored breathing. My first scare as a parent and you weren’t even 5 minutes old. Turned out everything was just fine. When I got to finally see you and hold you I was so amazed at how handsome you were. You looked just like your daddy and snuggled right up next to me instantly.

You’ve remained that great cuddle bug for the last 5 years. You are such a sweet boy who really loves to be close to me and daddy. If there is any chance that we will carry you to bed at night or sing you a lullaby you soak it right up. Just today on the way to school you told me “Mommy I don’t want to grow up and go to college. I want to live with you forever.” I told you that when you go to college you might meet the girl you want to marry and then you will have a family together. You replied “Well can I have your car then?” Sure buddy I’ll let you have the minivan and I’ll get some fun small car to drive daddy and I. Deal?!

You are the humor in our house. You are always so silly and keep us laughing daily. I figure you’ll likely be the “class clown” who either the girls can’t stand or who they swoon over. I’m going to go for the latter since you do have that Latin influence in your blood. You always know how to lighten a mood with a joke or some silly antic to make us all laugh. And you LOVE to talk. I can’t imagine where you inherited that gene but man do you give me a run for my money. You are always being reminded in school to raise your hand and to give others a chance to talk. Looking back at some of my old report cards they say much of the same. People like us keep the conversation rolling so there doesn’t have to be awkward silence; don’t ever lose that skill it’s a good one to have.

You love to eat, man do you love to eat. I frequently have nightmares about my grocery bill in about 8 years when you and your brother are teenagers. Scary. But you really do love anything. There are very few things you won’t eat. You love anything from sushi to anything Brazilian. I love your adventure and the fact you will at least try new food, can you please share a bit of that with your brother?! You are a FANTASTIC brother. The love you have for Caleb melts my heart and makes me so proud to be your mom. You’re always willing to play what he wants to play just because you want to be near him. You beg us to sleep in his bed with him because you want to keep him company. You are always watching out for Caleb. You would never let anyone do anything to hurt him. Sure you argue from time to time but in all reality it’s very little. I believe it’s because of the unique and incredible bond you have from being twins. Whatever it is thank you for loving him as much as you do. You’re both so blessed to have one another.

The last 5 years are a whirlwind, it’s all flown by too quickly. I genuinely hope the next 5 years go by more slowly, though I doubt they will. I want to soak up every last morsel of your childhood. I want to take you places and watch the light in your eyes when you see something for the first time. I want you to do great things. Try your hardest at school and be the best you that you can be. I will always be proud of you and I feel so blessed to watch you grow up. I love you Ayd-A-Boo!

Love, Mommy