* Your birthday was May 2nd, I'm just now getting to posting it. Please forgive me, son.
Dear Henrik,
Today is your fourth birthday. I actually cannot believe that four years ago today, you made me a mother. I wanted nothing more in life than that, and, on a cold, snowy day in North Dakota, that wish came true. In the first seconds of your life we knew you were sensible, we knew you were patient, we knew you were going to be an easy baby. We didn't know that you'd carry those traits with you these past four years.
To this day, you are cautious but curious, inquisitive but reserved, sensible but sneaky, talented but humble, smart but modest, and polite but sassy. You absolutely amaze me every day, from your reasonable requests to smart-ass comments, to the sheer talent you have in every thing you do, to the sweet, heart melting secrets and always strong, genuine hugs.
You son, can do anything you want to do in life. You were riding a two-wheel (without training wheels) bike at three and a half, you can run faster than any kid in your class and do hurdles over the dog to out run your brother as he chases you throughout the house, you are starting to read and write, you picked up your swimming strokes in a matter of weeks, you actually mountain bike on real mountains, your knowledge and understanding of things, animals and the world make my jaw drop, and yet, you insist that things are too hard for you or too much work. It's all in your head, kid. Trust me. You can do anything you put your mind to, you just have to believe it.
September 2013 |
March 2014 |
If I could have one wish for you this year it would be that your confidence grew. You are timid and shy, claim to be scared and afraid of trying new things. But you can do whatever it is you want to do. You've already proven to yourself that you can. You know how? You love extreme sports, even if it happens in my living room! You are up for skiing, snowboarding, dirt bike racing and anything else dangerous that a mother doesn't really want her newly four year old to do. But, you, with your level head and thought out plan, excel at all of these tasks. You just have to believe it.
August 2013 |
February 2014 |
Happy Birthday, bud. I love you.
Oh, and Henrik, whenever you want to cuddle or be rocked to sleep, know that I am always there. Even if you don't fit in my lap anymore. Those moments are some that I will cherish forever.