When I was pregnant I keenly observed little kid's personalities in a way I never had before. I noticed there were needy children who couldn't bear to be separated from their parents, incessantly active children with infinite energy reserves, self-contained children that were content to gaze at the world and ruminate on the meaning of life, and countless other personalities. As I balanced my growing belly, I'd speculate about the little life growing inside me. What kind of a little child would he be? Would he be gentle and mild, outgoing and uncontrollable, smart and funny? I prayed that heaven would bless me with a healthy baby and felt comforted that the child we would receive would be perfect for our family.
E was born and after we got his acid-reflux under control (how I don't miss 4 hours of walking with my infant through non-stop screaming) his little personality began to emerge. He's smiley, funny, strong-willed at times, incredibly verbal, pretty uncoordinated, independent when we're in public, dependent when we're home, and perfect for our family. He's really set the tone for our family. At times he's a challenge that draws on all my reserves of patience and ingenuity, but more often he's making my heart laugh with joy.
This past week was my 25th birthday and I spent the day soaking in the blessings around me. E spent the day entertaining me with various renditions of the birthday song remixed with other children's songs he knows and, of course, gracefully choreographed. I couldn't help but gaze at his little face and see both his goodness and all the ways that he reminds me of his dad. Those two boys bring me more happiness than I knew was possible. They are the perfect present and, lucky me, I get them all year round.
(We captured one of E's birthday song remixes to share with you. For all of you who'd like to sing along, I've provided the lyrics below.)
To you birthday from me, from me.
FALL DOWN!
Happy birthday, happy birthday.
Bloo-yeah-too, Bloo-yeah-too.
FALL DOWN!
