Dear Drew,

You have always been a crazy, wild guy from the first moment you emerged into this world. The energy and passion you have for life is unlike anything. From the moment you could focus on a baseball, you haven’t taken your eye off of the prize. You were the only one-year old who was glued to his seat for all nine innings of your first ball game. Your enthusiasm for life is contagious and makes everyone enjoy your company.

You have been articulate since a very young age. Sometime around nine months I can almost swear that you said something along the lines of David and chicken. It didn’t seem right to put that in your baby book, so instead we embraced “dada” as your first word. And despite the times you have said crazy things like you were going to poop in my diaper, you have also said the most amazing, sweet things like “when I was a baby, there was no brother to give me a kiss.” It has been outstanding watching (listening) as your verbal skills have evolved. I will never get sick of hearing you say, “I love you Mommy.” I will, however, welcome a time when we can speak less about bowel movements.

I feel like sometimes we struggle to see eye to eye. Sometimes I think it’s because we are all too similar, your father would agree with that. And sometimes I think it’s because I have the difficult job of being your mom. I am forced to lay boundaries, help teach you right from wrong and instill values. I think at times it would be easier to just be your playmate, just let the heavy lifting go. But at the end of the day, I look at the beautiful, smart boy you are and know that I had something to do with that. Being your mom is the best job, even if it means that it’s hard at times.

I can’t imagine what it is like sharing the world, that has always been yours alone, with a sibling. Although I think it’s hard for you at times, I hope you realize what you are getting by being fortunate enough to have a sister. I’m so happy that you get to have a forever friend. I’m so happy that you have someone who will always have your back. I’m so happy that you will always have someone looking up to you. I hope you realize, as you get older, what a special relationship that is and treasure it.

Your past three years have been the best three years of my life. You have asked me a few times over the last few days why I don’t want you to grow up. I want you to grow up and continue to be the amazing little guy you are. I just don’t want it to happen so fast. I want to be able to marinate in the little, nutty boy you are today. With each skill you master and each lesson you learn, you need us less. It’s exciting watching you grow and change but its scary to see you get further and further from the baby that once needed us for everything.

I can’t wait to see what this next year of life brings you. I’m so grateful I get to sit first row through it all!

Happy Birthday!!!

Love,
Mom