In Keeping with Tradition

Dear Jacob,
I never know how to start these letters, and before I know it I'm head first in the wonder of YOU!
In the past few months I have realized that the baby who entered my life on Christmas Day 2005 with his ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes, and sleepy brown eyes no longer exists. In that beautiful baby's place is a beautiful little boy with a wonderfully spirited sense of self and life.
I wish I would have taken the time to hold that beautiful baby a little bit more, and stare in wonder at the smallest of features on that chunky little face, and rolling little body; for I didn't understand how quickly that baby would turn into an active little boy who would need to be wrangled for a hug or kiss.
I wish I wouldn't have been so afraid of the unknown on how to handle and care for such a wonderful little package, with its high pitch squeals and globs of drool; for now the package is a growing boy who doesn't need me to handle and care for him as much.
I wish I wouldn't have rushed through the small moments, and taken the time to capture more memories in my head verses using my camera to share the moments with everyone else; for now I feel like I'm forgetting even the largest of details.
Jacob, you have truly helped me realize this past year that life is speeding by, and in the past three years I haven't taken much time to truly sit in amazement of the wonders of that life now that you are in it. I have realized that we only have one chance at 'this' and sometimes opportunities that we thought we would enjoy or re-live again, maybe this time to right a potential wrong, just truly aren't in the cards.
You have my heart Jacob, no matter what your size or age, that will never change, you will forever be my 'baby boy' now matter how many times you remind me that you are a 'big boy'. You continue to amaze and teach me something new with each passing day! You really are an amazing soul.
Happy Third Birthday!
Love Always,
Mommy