To My Boys,
If you haven't noticed, you are brothers. And if you also haven't noticed, your mom is an only child and obsessed with siblings yet has no idea how the whole sibling thing works.
But I am smart enough to know this: You will annoy each other. There will be times when you do not like each other. But you will always be brothers, and this is the only brother you get. You will need each other in your adult lives. So don't screw it up so badly that you can't get past it.
You are different people with different personalities. You will not be treated exactly the same because that is just ridiculous. We do not love one of you more than the other, we are not being unfair, blah blah blah. I'm just gearing up to say this a million times for the next 10-15 years. Don't worry, I'm going to teach you coping skills. But until then, stop pestering your brother!
You will both sit in the back seat. Neither of you gets shot gun. You know why? Because I'm driving, I'm paying for the car and the insurance. And I want control of the radio. Get over it.
To my dear sweet Ryan. You made us a family. You are turning out to be such a wonderful, interesting little man. You make us laugh everyday with the little things you say and do. You can say so much with just a look. The last 6 months have been rough on you, but you handled it like a champ. I'm very proud. I will mention, after we brought Reid home from the hospital, you refused to say "mommy" or any variation there of for about 3 months. But you were always worried that we were going to leave Reid behind when we got in and out of the car. "Reeeeeee!". Eventually you brought back 'mommy' and now everything is "Ya, ma-mee" "No, ma-mee".
Around others, you are a reserved person. Saving all your antics for just daddy and me. Always makes me feel special that you trust us with your inner silliness. Especially with the conversations we have now. When I come into your room, you like to tell me about your dinosaur or choo choo. You will show me all of the stuffed animals that sleep with you. Your vocabulary is growing exponentially, everyday I look forward to what new things you are going to tell me.
Ryan, you are growing up to be a handsome young man. And I gotta say, those big blue eyes of yours... you are welcome! Use them wisely.
To my amazing little Reid. You completed our family. I have tried to describe you to those who have not met you and I can never do you justice. One just has to meet you to understand the splendor that is Reid. I'll never be able to explain it fully here, but I will try. Reid, you have this light inside you. When I come to get you in the mornings, you look up at me and smile the biggest smile ever. You charm everyone you meet with those smiles and dimples. Even when you are crying, with one little snuggle I can get a laugh out of you. I'm so excited to watch you grow up. The world is a better place with you in it.
You are sitting up on your own and so ready to crawl. Any day I'll turn around and you'll be off. Then we all in trouble! And you "talk" a lot! When we are in the car, you will talk to yourself in your little baby babble the whole way. It is the sweetest thing ever!
I am grateful everyday that you are here to make our family complete.
I'm familiar karma. And I remember how I was as a child. I fully expect to walk outside and find you two on the roof wearing roller blades and rockets one day. All I ask is that you do not injure yourselves. And that you do sweet things like bring me flowers. Flowers and hugs just might get me to over look the hole you cut into your bedroom wall, curtains worn as capes, etc.
Boys - be nice to people, don't burn bridges, treat people with respect... all of them. Everyone is deserving of respect. Don't date the crazies. They may seem fun in the beginning, but it's just a mess later. Pay your bills on time and avoid getting into debt. Eat right. But most of all follow your dreams. (Unless your dreams are to go into debt and dating the crazies) Everyone says to follow your dreams. But no one ever explains the *dreams* part. Do what you love to do, work hard at it, be responsible. Do those things and you will be free to enjoy what you do to make a living and the rest of your time as well.
I wish nothing but the best for you both and I promise I will do all I can to raise you so that you may achieve those things.
Who loves you??? Mommy Does!!!! Now pull my finger.
-m
