Dear Max,
You are two years old today. Typing this out makes me pause for a moment and think back to your birth day. I remember not being about to sleep at all the night before. Knowing the day you were going to come into this world had been a comforting thought. I was excited for your arrival and sleep was the last thing on my mind. The end of my pregnancy wasn't the typical count down to your predicted due date instead it was like me being 6 years old again counting down the days until Christmas. You, of course, being the best gift I've ever received. I can remember clearly the day I brought you home. We hadn't bought a car seat for you yet so your Dad drove home my luggage and your bags while I walked you home from the clinic in the stroller. Looking down through the window in the canopy you looked so tiny. Today, you can turn and reach your hand up to mine and the days of being a stroller baby are rapidly coming to an end.
The day I brought you home, I remember riding up the elevator with you snuggled in my arms. You were awake and very alert. You were taking in all the new surroundings. I paused at our front door and told you, "welcome home, my son". Today, you know how to use the key to unlock the door to our building. You dash over to push the button to call the elevator. When we arrive at our door, instead of me being the one opening the door for you, it is you that demands to be the first one in.
Last night, I picked you up early from the Créche so we could go kick dirt together and chase pigeons in the park. "Bird" and "Tree" and "Woo woo!" (for dog) are a few of your favorite words. I stood back and watched you run, trip, pick yourself up and go again. My big baby is becoming a big boy. I ran after you so that I wouldn't miss a moment of our afternoon play date. Know that I will always be running after you, my son. We fell asleep in Mama and Daddy's bed tonight, you wrapped your little arms around me and hugged me. Patting my back and holding me tight as you fell asleep. The grip loosened and I snuggled you close. I whispered in your ear that I'll always be here for you because I am your mother.
I try to remember my life before I became a mother and it's all starting to become a blur. Being a mom to these past two years has really shown me that I have found my path in life. I am grateful for this gift you have given me, Max.
2 years of Maximilien from PutYourFlareOn on Vimeo.
I made a little photo video for your birthday and it was such a pleasure because each photo took me back to the day each moment was captured. One photo for each month of your life. With Shel Silverstein singing one of my favorite poems of all times.
Maximilien, you are loved. Your father and I are so blessed to have you in our lives. Do you know that every night before we head to bed we go into your room and watch you sleep? Smiling, we watch you as you dream... the love we have for you washing over us ten fold. Never in a million years would we have thought that we could love someone as much as we love you.
Happy, Happy Birthday my boy...
Love,
Mama
happy birthday max!!!
what a wonderful letter Aimee, i'm sure you'll treasure these letters later on when he's a big boy and life goes by too quickly. those memories are precious.
enjoy the sunshine! i made cookies this morning and thought you'd like them:
http://milkjaminthekitchen.blogspot.com/2006/10/new-blog-is-born.html
Posted by: karina | March 20, 2009 at 11:37
Happy Birthday to your lovely little boy!
Such a gorgeous letter. You should print it off and put it in a memory box :-)
Posted by: anne | March 20, 2009 at 11:44
Happy Birthday Max!
Thanks for sharing the wonderful letter Aimee, I have a tear in my eye as I type. You've put into words exactly how I feel about Edwin
Posted by: Melanie | March 20, 2009 at 11:53
Happy Birthday Max! Hope to meet you some day very soon! You are so blessed to have such wonderful parents...
Posted by: Evolving | March 20, 2009 at 11:59
Oh dear you sent me back to when my son was born and all those emotions. What a beautiful tribute to Max and I loved your photo/video montage with the music. It was perfect.
Posted by: misschrisc | March 20, 2009 at 15:20
Happy Happy Birthday Max!!!
Your cousins in NE love you!
Katy, Jack and Sarah
Posted by: Mary Anne | March 20, 2009 at 17:10
Happy Birthday Max!
Posted by: Penny | March 20, 2009 at 17:52
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww.... That is so sweet. . Happy birthday, Max...all the way from San Diego!
Posted by: Divina | March 20, 2009 at 17:54
Bonne Anniversaire, Max! Et un gros bisous de Lisa et Georges!
Posted by: The Bold Soul | March 20, 2009 at 19:17
Happy Birthday Max!!! I can't believe you are already 2! Such a big boy now.
Posted by: andie | March 20, 2009 at 19:49
Ooooh Max! Happy Happy Birthday!
I love the video you put together, I'm going to have to copy you for Thaya. Wait... if Max is 2 that means I only have a month until Thaya's birthday. I better get on that :P
Posted by: Meg | March 20, 2009 at 20:40
Aimee, that was beautiful, the letter and the video. He is precious and I can't believe he is two already.
Posted by: Tutu | March 20, 2009 at 21:38
Can you believe our babies are 2 already? What a beautiful letter. Happy Birthday, Max! See you in August!
Posted by: Laine | March 20, 2009 at 23:22
Wow, two years are up already? That's amazing. This is a lovely tribute to the young man. I bet your ma would have been oh so proud of the mother you have become Aimee, and also so proud to have such a lovely grandson.
I've missed your posts but I guess a toddler and cafe life keeps you pretty busy these days.
Posted by: Emma | March 21, 2009 at 19:25
Happy Happy birthday Max! Great post Aimee ...
Posted by: sharon | March 24, 2009 at 06:01
happy birthday max!
Posted by: gleek | March 29, 2009 at 19:27