"Happy to You," Elliot!

To my precious Elliot:

Today is your second birthday. So I'll tell you what you say when someone else is celebrating a birthday: "Happy to you!"

But really, it's happy to me.

I'm so happy that you're my son. I'm so happy that you're turning out to be such a sweet, silly and smart little boy. I'm so happy that I'm able to be home and share so many adventures with you, my beloved baby...who's really not a baby any more.

In just two short years, you've gone from being completely dependent on Daddy and me to being "Mr. Independent." You've gone from barely being able to make your needs known to putting together three and four-word sentences in both English and Spanish (often combined). In the past two years, you've brought more joy to my life -- and to Daddy's - than I would have thought possible.

Two years ago, I was still somewhat frightened of motherhood. Today, I can't imagine not being a mother. But no, that's not completely true: I can't imagine not being your mother.

The other day, while walking down the street together, you stopped for a minute and smiled at me -- an open, honest and joyful expression of love and delight. "I love you..."

"...so much," you answered. Then you kissed me, and my heart melted.

And that just about says it all. Happy 2nd birthday, my darling Elliot!!