PJ turns 3 tomorrow. Chances are I won't blog since I'm taking the day off to spend with him. So here is his tribute, today.
Dear PJ,
Happy 3rd Birthday to my little guy. I cannot believe you are three years old. I remember so vividly the moment I saw you for the first time. I can feel the tears welling up in my eyes when I held you for the first time and you looked at me. I have never been so happy.
You made me a mama. You were beautiful and perfect. You had dark hair, and looked just like your daddy. I couldn't believe how gorgeous you were.
You have grown up so much. You are such a boy. You get dirty, you play rough, you run. You love to play sports, especially golf, and you can identify every Chicago sports team. You are independent, but you still need your mama. You are smart. You amaze me with the things you know, the things you do, the things you say.
You are loving and caring. When you see that I am sad, you ask "What's wrong Mama?" and you give me a hug and a kiss, complete with a pat on the back. You tell me "No cry Mama" when I cry in front of you, which I try not to do. Although you are sometimes not so nice to your sister, you take pride in being her big brother. You stand up for her when other kids are mean to her. You tell me if she's crying and you hug her and try to make her feel better. She loves you so much. I know, even so young, she looks up to you.
Everyday that passes I love you more. I am amazed at how at 3 years old, your personality is without question. You sometimes want to do everything yourself, and sometimes, you want mama to do it. You're a picky eater, but I'll let you slide.
I'll never forget when you were a baby and I'd rock you to sleep in my arms. When I'd gaze in your crib and just watch you sleep, your sweet, angelic perfect face peacefully in dreamland. And while I don't rock you to sleep anymore, sometimes I still sneak in to watch you sleep, and see that sweet, angelic perfect face -- albiet, older -- still peacefully in dreamland. Your demands for hugs and kisses make me melt. And hearing you say I love you is the greatest part of my day.
I love you so much, my sweet son, my first born. I love every last bit of you, from the top of your head to the tip of your toes. You're spirit, intelligence, sense of humor and pure joy inspire me every day to make sure to appreciate the day. You've made me stop and remember not to sweat the small stuff, to be grateful for what I have, and to realize that at the end of the day, all that matters is that I have a family that can't wait to see me.
I love you, Patrick John. Happy Birthday baby.
