Uriah Michael

Dear Uriah,

I see you. I see you following me around the house at my heels, waiting your turn for my attention. I see you sitting there reading your books looking up to see if I'm done yet - done with the dishes, done feeding Ezra, done texting dad... I see you sigh when Ezra wakes up and I leave our game to comfort her. I see you misbehaving - throwing your toys, hitting mom, screaming inside - just to see if I'll notice, pay attention and react. I see you, baby boy, I see you.

We threw a lot at Uriah this last month - a baby sister, a revolving door of visitors which always resulted in a schedule change, potty training, teething and now preparation for our big move. He's acted out in defiance, which was to be expected with so much change - more whining, more "no!"... But you guys, he's such a good kid. He's so smart - he surprises me every day with the things he's learning and the new words he says and sentences he puts together. He gets an A+ in potty training, he caught on so quickly!, and is doing so much on his own, now. And he's so sweet! I mean, just the sweetest! I am a constant victim of unsolicited hugs and kisses and he plays with my hair when he's in my arms and rocks Ezra to sleep and drags his blankey everywhere he goes. And he's got so many quirks! Like the way he bobs forward when he's counting and the way he looks up when he's thinking about what he's going to say next and the way he scrunches his nose and whispers when he's exited to tell you something. Yes, he disobeys and drives me crazy, but maybe I deserve a hit on the leg or two after what we put him through recently ;)

I just hope he knows that he hasn't been forgotten or overlooked. I hope he knows my patience will run out but that my love for him will not. I hope he knows that he was our first and will always be my baby boy. I hope he knows that my love for him is unconditional. I hope he knows that I'm trying my hardest to be the best at this job for both of my babies. I hope he knows that I see him - him. With all his quirks and annoyances and love and chub... I see him.