Happy 3rd Birthday Oliver

My dearest son,

Today you turned three years old. Three! You're so big now. I am amazed, watching you grow right before my eyes; your legs are becoming longer and leaner, your face is filling out, your comprehension and physical abilities are happening too quickly to take stock of. You're a little man now, a parcel of personality all packed up into 36 inches and 30 lbs of sweetness.

Three years ago today we were in the hospital — Wednesday, the 19th of March, 2008. My water broke at 4 am.  By 5 pm that day we knew you weren't going to come out without havin’ to come in and get you. At 11 pm you were born. You were beat red with dark dark hair. The nurse brought you to me and brushed your face against my cheek. A tear came down the side of my face. I remember thinking how soft you were. Then they took you away. Your daddy didn't want to leave me, but I told him that you needed him more than I did at that very moment. I was afraid to be alone, but I was more afraid that you would notice your mommy was not with you. So I sent him in my place. They took you to another floor in the hospital to get cleaned up.



Later your daddy came down to see me. The hospital was so busy that night. There was a severe snow storm and a full moon—just as there is a Super Moon tonight! There were a lot of mommies having babies that night, and they didn't have a room ready for me. It wasn't until after midnight that your daddy came back to me, but without you. I was terrified. I wanted you in the same room as your daddy and me. Finally, they brought you back down. I was relieved to have you near us.

Eventually mommy got a room in the hospital. I was tired since I had been awake now almost 24 hours. It was probably now about 2 or 3 in the morning. Daddy was tired too. You were sleeping. I got to feed you finally at one point. You nursed like you had been nursing forever. You knew exactly what to do and how to do it. I was amazed.

The next 5 days we were tired and over joyed. Daddy stayed each night and all day at the hospital with us. The outside world could wait. Mommy absolutely loved having you in her arms, and she had to be so patient because Daddy wanted to hold you so often! Daddy was in love too. He held you close. I could see Daddy had a love for you that was incredible — so intimate, intense and vulnerable. It made me love your daddy more than I ever thought was possible. I knew life was one wonderful journey and the best part of it was happening now, with you.



Oliver, you are the greatist gift your daddy ever gave me. I'm so lucky to be your mommy. I am so happy to have such a sweet precious child. I love you so so much. You are the best thing to ever happen to me.

Love, Mommy