I love you forever, I'll like you for always....

Dear Caleb, How is it possible that you are already 5 years old? You and Ayden are growing up too fast. I wish I could freeze time right now but I know so many parents who wish they could do the same but haven’t figured out how exactly to accomplish that. You are my baby. I tell you that and you remind me that you’re not a baby. And really you aren’t my baby just because you are younger than Ayden but I like to say it to you anyway. Someone has to be the “baby” so you have be given that privilege. You were our little surprise. You were our Baby “B”……nothing we planned for but more than we could have ever imagined. When daddy and I found out we were having 2 babies we were shocked. Daddy was so happy and excited that he was going to have 2 little babies to love and hug. I was a little nervous because I didn’t know if I could love you both the way I knew I could love one. Thanks to God I have more than enough love in my heart for you and Ayden and I couldn’t be more happy that you are a part of our family.

You are your brothers opposite or maybe he is your opposite. Either way. I love it, you complement one another. You are so easy going and always have been. You were never the baby that demanded much attention but you always let us know you were there. You can sometimes fall into Ayden shadow because he is so dominant but you don’t seem to mind and you handle the role very well. Most twins have this dynamic and the two of your are no exception There are also times when you take charge and lead your brother. When you have an idea in your head it is impossible to change your mind. Never lose that. When you know that something is right and that there is a better way to accomplish something don’t ever be afraid to speak up and let your voice be heard. One thing about you and your brother I simply don’t understand is that he’s left handed and your right handed so why do you insist in sitting on the same chair at the table some nights with your dominant hands both hitting one another? Why not switch sides so you don’t have to be constantly bumping into each other? Oh well, one of those things I will never understand. You are ridiculously smart. People tell me this all the time. I try not to brag about it but in my heart, and in daddy’s heart, we are so proud of your intelligence. You taught yourself to read before you were 4. You blew us away. One day we were driving in the car and we drove passed a gas station and you said “Look it’s Speedway.” Speedway what? How did you learn how to read so easily? It just amazes me. The best part about your talent is that you share it with anyone willing to listen. I love watching you read to your brother. I love when you read to anyone in our family. I particularly love when I come to school and see a friend snuggled up next to you reading. So far school has come very naturally to you….I pray that this continues for many many years. You love learning and you are great at it.

You are not the social butterfly of our family, Ayden has taken that role on…..however you are a great friend. You are not one of those people who believes in having all the friends in the world. You enjoy having a few great friends. When you talk about your friends you light up. You love to tell about their lives and about your interactions with them. I love that you have these bonds. I completely agree with you-It’s not about the quantity of friends you have it’s about the quality. Always remember that. You have a smile that could light up the world. When you show your real Caleb smile you make the room smile. When you really give a good belly laugh it’s infectious. The thing that seems to make you laugh the most is Ayden. Frequently daddy and I have no idea what is so funny but Ayden will have you cracking up and we just smile with tears in our eyes. I am amazed by the bond that two people can share so effortlessly. If only everyone in the world could have someone as special to them as you are to Ayden and he is to you.

You are a great child and a pleasure to raise. You are a really good listener and often follow directions the first time we ask (could you share some of that with Ayden ). When given instructions on how to do something you like to do it exactly as you were told. You are a very literal person. We used to say if we told you it was raining cats and dogs you’d probably look outside and laugh and tell us it wasn’t. You are much to wise beyond your years. You remind us all the time that it’s almost time for you to go to Kindergarten. You are ready to see what it’s like. You and Ayden are both becoming more and more comfortable being individuals but never too distant from one another. As you continue to grow and make your way to elementary school I hope you stay as close as ever. I hope you always protect one another. I know you are ready for the next step but I don’t think daddy and I are quite yet. Please always let people know who you are and don’t be afraid to speak up. You have such wisdom to share….let the world hear it. I look forward to continuing to watch you grow and mature. I look forward to always being in the crowd cheering you on. I am so proud of everything you have done and everything you will do. I love you Cay-dubs!!

Love, Mommy

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