Dear Andrea,
Today you turn TWO! Happy birthday! Tanti auguri!
How can I sum up all the joy you’ve brought into my life over the past two years?
Firstly, I am truly grateful for you. To say that you’ve changed my life is an understatement. Becoming a mother has surpassed all my expectations. Before I met you, I was convinced that I could never be “maternal” but since you came into my life you’ve changed my perspective and have helped me become the mother I never thought I could be.
Over the past two years your personality has blossomed and I cannot wait to see the man you are going to become. I can see your father and I in you. You’ve inherited your father’s reserved and calm nature and mirror me with your independence and strong personality.
As much as time has flown by it stands still when you’re in my arms, when we read your favourite bedtime stories or when we “cook” together. We’ve had our challenges but you’ve taught me so many things about patience, compromise, and unconditonal love. I’m learning from you as you are from me. I will never be a perfect mom but I will strive to give you the best, teach you what you need to know to succeed in life, and love you unconditionally.
Over the past two years there have been so many special moments that I hold dear…
The moment you came into my life and the intense and complete love I felt when I looked into your eyes and held your tiny body.
The first time you ate solid food…and the beginning of your culinary journey!
Your first trip to Italy (a picture says a thousand words!)
When you took your first steps…at nine months! (We knew right away that you were going to be a busy boy!)
Your first photo shoot at the local park (You had such an appreciation for nature at such a young age…I loved taking pics of that smile!)
Your first birthday (and we thought the first year went by fast!)
Your first haircut-what a bittersweet experience!
Your first time playing in the sand on the beach when we went to visit nonna and nonno in Italy.
Your baptism in Italy…what a special day!
Your first time “playing” in the snow
Your first photoshoot with your little sister. (It warms my heart to see you dote on her and show how much you care for her already.)
Although I can’t help but get teary-eyed reminiscing about all your “firsts” I get equally excited about your future “firsts!” I’m looking forward to them as well as being the first person you share these experiences with. I want to be the first person you come to with your problems and fears, the first one with whom you share goals and aspirations, the first one that you share your joy and pride with over your accomplishments.
I’m here for you now as a mother to nurture you and help you grow and I will be there for you in the future as a mother and as a friend.
Love always,
Mom
oh my goodness..he is so sticking cute!!! your pictures are great. Happy birthday to your baby boy!!
Thanks Ana 😉 We are actually celebrating today..it’s gone be a long and busy day!!!
My iPad is acting up and I could go back and add to my first comment
I also wanted to say how lucky you guys are to have a son like Andrea and how lucky he is to have parents like you. Making him all sorts of fancy foods that even I as an adult would love to eat 🙂
Tearing up while I read this. What a beautiful letter Lisa. Happy birthday to Andrea
Such beautiful photos and the one with you holding him at the airport – made me laugh out loud. Oh travelling with babies – sometimes it’s rough! 😉
Beautiful that you were able to have his baptism in Italy. Can only imagine how special that was for you and family that live there.
And on a totally unrelated note, I like your shoe collection. LOL
Thanks Cheryl! That one pic at the airport still cracks me up, although it didn’t at the time! We have to do it again this year plus one-my daughter will be 6 months (and we’re having her baptism there too by the way!).
I love this! Such a beautiful letter & great pictures.
Thanks Christine, I wanted to show my sensitive side (as it’s usually my sarcastic side!!!)
Thanks girls ;-)))
This brought tears to my eyes! Good job Shun, it is very hard to put into words but you did it!
Aww w this is sooo sweet! Someday he will cherish this! You are such a great mom
Beautifully written Stufir!
Thanks! It took me forever to figure out how to express all my feelings in such a short message!! 😉