Journey to 2

My dear Buby, you came into this world at 7:29 on a Tuesday night and made it a sweeter place. You are the offspring of two soul mates who have secretly wished and wondered about you all their lives. You will always be the first son, the Little Dude, the team captain in all things fun and fabulous! We knew we were lucky in life before you arrived, but you have made us slow down to turtle pace and capture the essence of each day. You give meaning where meaning never was. You make us want to memorize quirky facial expressions and simple pleasures for all time, as we have come to appreciate that each one is unique and will not repeat. You alone can make us feel happy and chagrin, young and old, energized and depleted, nervous and excited, smart and utterly inadequate, fearful and wishful and totally blessed all at once. You make us feel everything. Today you become a Terrific Two, so I will honor you in images. Thank you for being you and for loving us. A look back at the evolution of Buby.

PHOTO GALLERY

September 2005. Boy, you were taking up residence in my belly for too long, so Daddy and I went paddle boating to finagle you into coming out. It didn't work. You and the 40 lbs you brought with you were cozy and content. Two days later I sent Daddy off on a two-hour train ride and assured him that "today was definitely not the day!" 10 minutes later, you decided that today was in fact the day. My labor would be exactly 13 hours, fitting since it was the 13th. And 13 years I had known {and adored} your Daddy.

Three women in the maternity ward dilated to 10 at the same time, and there was only one OB. Oops. The doctor said I was third in line and whatever I did, not to push. Right!! So Daddy and I turned off the lights, we each grabbed a leg, and I started pushing. He watched the monitor and counted. I didn't scream. I was focused and determined. We couldn't wait to meet you. Daddy was a superb coach under pressure. The doctor and nurses came back to our room for the final minutes of active labor.

When the nurse handed you to me, I couldn't breathe. I couldn't speak. I could only smile down at you. The perfect little person. Okay, not so little. 8 lbs, 2.5 ounces, 21 1/4 inches long.

Two days later, you came home. It was magical. And real. We're a family.

You were quiet and sleepy and loved to snuggle and stare.

And fall asleep in Daddy's arms.

Your first Christmas.

Your first food.

Learning to crawl.

You drooled ALL THE TIME. Bibs were a must.

You have a signature happy look, mouth wide open.

See! Happy boy picnics in the park with mouth open.

You love making other people laugh, you goof!

Learning to walk.

Sweet whispers of encouragement.

Your first trip to a New England beach.

Your first birthday, you wouldn't take off the hat from Debbie & Frank.

You have a great face, kiddo.

You like playing in the snow but not touching it.

So proud of your first poo on the potty.

You play hide-and-seek and shock people.

And hang upside down like a monkey. Happy 2nd, Bub.