2
When you were born, I didn't believe you were you it all seemed so alien and strange and to be honest I was completely off on another planet anyway and trying not to shiver in shock off the operating table. Your daddy held you, and you looked so perfect together, it almost felt wrong to intrude on your closeness.
You amazed me with your grown-up-ness and there's been more than one occasion when I've wondered whether I will keep up with you. I know you've been here before, and I know you are wise beyond your years.
Years. I can say that now.
Now you are no longer a baby, but a person who has independant thoughts and desires and goals in life. Your mind is your own, and you're just starting to see what that mind can do. You have so many choices ahead of you that it's daunting thinking of them for you, but I trust that you'll find your way, whichever path you take.
2 years on I still marvel at the closeness you and your daddy have, the way you walk like him and bounce along when you're happy, the way you need to have his input into the games you play together. You have an incredible relationship with your grandfathers as well, and I hope you will always hold them dear.
And your mummy - her heart breaks for you everyday, and one day you'll understand the decisions she has made for you, that gingerbread men can't be eaten for every meal, that sometimes we can't stay at the park all day, that I turned many of my parenting beliefs upside down to be a better person for you, and that every trauma I've experienced was so I could give you everything of me.
And in those moments when you look into my soul, I fall in love with you all over again.
Such a beautiful photograph.Such beautiful words.
Posted by:Emma. | February 23, 2005 at 10:02 AM
What Emma said. and what a beautiful elegy to that lovely person, your child..
Posted by:caroline | February 23, 2005 at 12:21 PM
Oh, Alison. So beautiful. And that photo! The boy in that photo! Congratulations on all of you for making it to 2.
Posted by:julia | February 23, 2005 at 01:44 PM
Hippo birdy two ewes, hippo birdy two ewes, hippo birdy little Max, hippo birdy two ewe!
Posted by:Nicole | February 23, 2005 at 02:04 PM
Happy birthday to the little Tiger! :) Toooo cuuute!
Posted by:Alison | February 23, 2005 at 02:51 PM
Sniff. I'm all choked up. A very happy birthday to the boy with quite possibly the best mom (er, mum) in the world.
Posted by:Em | February 23, 2005 at 03:07 PM
{{{Max and Alison}}} What a beautiful boy. Happy Birthday, Max!
Posted by:Patricia | February 23, 2005 at 05:18 PM
Happy Birthday to the might Max!
Posted by:cari | February 24, 2005 at 11:37 AM