Dear Brayden,
2,192. That’s how many days since you made me a Mom. 6 years since I saw my very pale, very blonde, blue eyed baby boy for the first time. 313 weeks and 1 day of firsts for the both of us. It sounds so cliche, but it really does feel like yesterday and a lifetime ago all at the same time. The days seem to go by slowly, but they add up so fast. You are such an amazing boy, Brayden. I am so proud of the person you are becoming.
You love to sing and dance. Sometimes while naked. Sometimes while out on the baseball and soccer fields. You are not partial to where you break out in song and dance. You are convinced you are going to be cast as Elsa for the Frozen musical and you told Daddy he would make a good Olaf. We took you to your first Broadway musical last year. The Lion King. You loved every second. You sat on a booster seat and your feet couldn’t touch the floor. Your eyes were wide with amazement the entire time. I will never forget that night.
You love to read. Roald Dahl is your current favorite. You are convinced the giant peach stone is in Central Park and you really want to go to meet James. You are also beginning to read on your own. I’m proud of you for learning to read, but more proud of you for trying. You are loving the independence that comes with reading and you try to read every word you see.
You are the best big brother. It’s not always easy being a good big brother to Kennedy. She doesn’t like to share and yells at you a lot. But, you are almost always patient and kind and do your best to teach her. And, although she isn’t always super nice to you, it is you she asks for first when she is hurt or sad. She is so luck to have you as a big brother. You are an amazing example to her.
You have the biggest heart. You love to help others. You are compassionate and go out of your way to make others happy.
You dream big. Whether it’s trying to fund a new Sea World that is kind to their animals or training evil squirrels to fly into space and take over the world, you make big plans. Currently, you want to build a dinosaur robot museum and send the plans to President Obama so he can help you. I try to help you and not squelch your dreams, but it’s not always easy because your imagination is just endless.
You still don’t love to try new things. You get nervous about trying anything new. Food, activities, anything that’s new scares you. Which, is why I push you so hard. You almost always end up liking whatever it is you try. Soccer, oranges, baseball. All things you’ve tried in the past year that you have ended up liking.
You are currently obsessed with Legos, dinosaurs, space, Disneyland, Frozen, your iPad and minons.
You are an amazing boy, Brayden. You constantly amaze and astound me every single day. I am so lucky to call you mine. I don’t always think I deserve you, but I am thankful that you forgive me when I am wrong, you ask for kisses every day, you still want to hold my hand out in public, you laugh at my dumb jokes, you demand that we snuggle together every single morning and night, you think I’m the prettiest girl in the world, and I’m so thankful that out of all the moms in the world you chose me.
I love you so very much, Brayden Bittel. You inspire me to be a better person. To make the world a better place. I am so proud to be your Mama.
Love,
Mommy
