Every time I start to write another birthday post I have to stop. Breathe in and out. And admit that no matter what I do my kids will grow up.
Brigham is no exception. He’s growing up.
Today our Brigham is three-years-old. Another awesome year passed and a new one is on the horizon.
I could write so much about him. But instead I will say . . .
I wish you could hear his laugh. When he really gets going it sounds like a witch’s cackle and it’s hilarious. It makes me laugh when he laughs. Sometimes he laughs for no reason other than just pure happiness spilled over.
I wish you could see how silly he is. He has always been a very silly boy. He makes up words. For real. He has his own language. He makes up songs too. I’d like to believe this is all done for my enjoyment. But I think he’s just an entertainer!
I wish you could be there when he flashes one of his famous eye-squinted smiles. He smiles so big, like he is proud of who he is. I hope he never loses that feeling. I hope he always smiles, teeth showing and chin sticking out.
I wish you could hear him sing the alphabet song. Or twinkle twinkle little star. Or the power rangers song. This child is full of pure joy. And he is a joy to be around.
I wish you could witness one of his tantrums. Whew, boy. They are something. We coined him “drama baby” when he was first born. He has quite the flair for drama. I’m glad his tantrums are few and far between because when they happen – they are the sort of tantrum that makes you throw your hands up in the air and sigh. You just have to wait a few minutes and then he’s a cool cat again. But like I said, they are something.
I wish you could feel his sweet hugs. Every mama and daddy deserves to be hugged like this. Although he is a little boy now, in preschool and everything, he still seems like such a baby to me. I suppose he will always be my baby no matter how many birthdays have gone by.
I wish you could hear him whisper, “I love you.” Those words make every day worth living for me. I feel so lucky that I’m the one who gets to hear him say it every night. I’m so lucky that I’m the one that gets to retrieve his lost elmo before he closes his eyes.
I wish you could see him with his big brother. He wants nothing more in life than to be just like him. I watched them as they played together outside the other night. Landon hoisted his foot up on a rock and seconds later, Brigham did the same thing. I hope they grow to always love and respect one another. Right now, there are quite a few squabbles. But at night they stand at their bedroom doors and say, “Night night, buddy.” Then they hug in the middle of the hallway, usually knocking each other down in a fit of laughter. Seeing them together fills my heart so full of love.
Three years ago today I was holding an hours-old, brand new Brigham in my arms, thanking God for giving me another precious gift.
And today, although he’s a lot bigger than that first morning we spent together, I will do the same thing.
I will hold him and thank God again. His third birthday and every day that follows.
