he is two :: & i wonder

So. Our adorable little prince went to bed a one year old and woke up a two year old this morning.

Last night, feeling nostalgic and like my mama heart was swelling and breaking at the same time, I put him on my chest and laid down on our bed before settling him into the crib. I only do this a few times a month. But some nights, even if the day has been hard...or maybe especially if the day has proven hard, I like to lay with him. He LOVES it. Loves being in our bed and is so content to stay. And oddly enough, if you know us {we are not big on co-sleeping as a general rule}, I'm quite content to let him stay.

Because as I posted the other day, it's good for him. Good for his assurance and attachment. Not always good for a healthy marriage in my opinion. lol. Nuff said on that.

But it's nights like last night, where I lay with him and his head is resting on my shoulder, and out of the blue, upon hearing me say, "I love you, Gabe" that he lifts up, taking my face in his hands and kisses my lips and I know that I know that I know...

that life is good, and God is great.

Because this little prince is spending his 2nd birthday with those who love him most in this world.

We must have stayed there for 30-45 minutes. Just talking and laughing, he and I. And then daddy joined us and we just enjoyed the moment. How we love this boy. How relieved and grateful and altogether blessed we are to have him in our lives.

Gabe woke up this morning at 8am, after having slept like a rock all night. I pulled him out of his crib as he reached up for me. There are few things that feel better than the pat of his little hands on my back when we hug for the first time each day. The normal things began to unfold...fill the sippy cup, throw together some breakfast, feed the dog, etc.

And through all of this normalcy, moving from one daily task to the next, I wondered about his first mom. How night has fallen on February 22nd in China and while we slept, she walked through a day of remembrance. Details that I, nor anyone else I know, will ever be privy to belong to her. Snipits must play over in her mind of his delivery. Of course she thinks of him on this day. She misses him and likely wonders herself what he is doing and how he is getting on in this life.

I desperately hope that in some way, she knows. That whatever the circumstances were for her on this day two years ago, that she senses he is well. That he is adored. And that he is a beloved son.

I posted here a year ago today...about how we were missing him on his first birthday. And I took a picture much like this one {though I was lazy today and just used my iPhone for these.}.

So far this morning, Gabe has enjoyed two Curious George books, some lap time with both parents as well as a quick jaunt with me to take Georgia outside. He's been happy as a little lark and woke up in a fantastic mood. How could he not?

It's your birthday, Gabe! Lots of cleaning and cooking and baking and preparing to take place over the next 24 hours! We have a little Chinese themed party planned for tomorrow and so I best get on the stick. But in the meantime, here's what a little prince looks like on the day he turns two. :)