Dear Brayden,

It’s been a while since I’ve written to you (or your brother), so I figured today was as good a day as any. You are getting so big, and I can’t believe you are going to be 2 years old in just a few months!

I feel a little bad because I skipped Mommy group this morning so I could have you all to myself, and I’m glad I did. It was so wonderful to watch you and see you learning and talking. You had one of my old nalgene bottles and were trying to put all sorts of things inside – a truck, a tractor, a train (yes, all boy things of course). You tried to shove the tractor inside, but it was too big. You looked at me with those beautiful, precious eyes that I could stare into for hours and hours, and after I told you it wouldn’t fit, you asked “why Mommy?” “It’s too big.” I replied. “Okay,” you answered. We had a real conversation! It may have been short, but you understand so much and I love that we can communicate. It sure is easier when we understand each other, isn’t it?

Right now you’re napping. One of my favorite things is to watch you sleep – I don’t think I will ever tire of that. You are so peaceful (after the 35 minutes you spent happily playing in your crib before zonking out). I love when you wake up and you have those sleepy eyes and put your head on my shoulder and just snuggle. It fills me up just to hold you so close, especially because I know someday you will be all grown up and I won’t have you to myself anymore. It’s still a long ways away, but I think of it, and that’s why I want to love you up as much as I can now!

When you wake up (and hopefully I won’t have to wake you – which I often unfortunately have to) we will go pick up Zackery from school. I’ll give you your milk, maybe a little snack, and buckle you into your comfy cozy car seat. Zack will be excited to see you, and you will be happy to see him. Mostly you two get along great – it’s typical I’m sure. You have your moments when you don’t want to share (especially your snacks – you always want your own container or bowl), but you love your brother and (try to) copy everything he does and says. He makes you laugh, which makes me laugh – he loves that!

I could go on and on about how smart and fun and strong and caring you are. I hope someday you’ll understand why I scoop you up into my arms all the time. You and your brother are the best gifts I have ever been given. I love you forever.

-Mommy xoxo