An open letter to my daughter

I wrote something for your older brother which means I had to do something for the princess. I think about you a lot. You are so much more clever than I ever will be. You're far more compassionate than I want to be and for that I thank you. I need reminders any given time of the day to be a nice, compassionate, kind person and that is everything you are to me. You are beyond excited for the change we will be going through and want to know everything that is going on.

I'm curious at times what you think of the world. You  have so many maternal qualities that you use with friends, and especially your older brother since you want to take care of him. I wonder if you think the world is a scary place? Some where fun? You sing every where we go. Not always willing to say your name but you sing more than I have energy to tell you it's important to use an inside voice. You have a wonderful knack for the arts, wanting to paint, draw and re-create what you see with your beautiful eyes. From the rising sun, to the falling snow you want to draw so I can explain how it works and why it's with us in the world. Will you be curious like I was? I wanted to be a scientist to learn why things what, what makes them tick. At times I get a streak, mostly because of you asking so many questions, but together we learn things that way.

Your hair is so pretty with is streaks of blonde, for which I seem to surprise people with. My husband is blonde can I not have children with blonde hair? Your eye lashes are so long and such a brunette shade it makes your eyes a great focus which gets so many compliments. I want to protect your beauty. I want you to stay innocent for ever really.I don't want your first heartache to ever come or for you to question why men act they way they do. I want you to be a romantic and love the idea of being in love. I hope so many things for you and about you that I can't wait for the to unfold for both of us. Will you be a dancer like you hope or become President of the United States. Both of which would make me so happy and nervous at the same time.

When I think of you, I think back to Maria from the Sound of Music. As she starts one of her many signature songs. Julie Andrews and her soaring voice starts ever so quietly "What will this day by like?" and you wake up every day energetic and excited to get the day started. One day my energy will be back and hopefully I will wake up just as you. I love that you still want to crawl in the bed with me and cuddle before I try rolling out of bed. It's the best wake up call ever. I love you.

An open letter to my son

It's Friday February 24th. That means in less than a month our lives will be completely different. I can not promise that you will like that change entirely but I will promise that we will be together every step of the way. You are my first born. Which, for some people means you are my mini me. In so many ways we are alike. Your maternal grandmother loves to remind me of this every chance she gets. You're curious, you're affectionate, you're inquisitive about relationships and what makes them tick. You're natural with rhythm and movement and like to compose your own songs. I could probably count and think so many attributes about us that make us.....you and I.

There are so many first for you and I since you are my first born. Does it make it any easier? Not in the slightest. I worry, fret, lament, rejoice over you. I cry with you....but not in front of you. I've been working on my poker face actually. But I do cry with you. I know that growing and learning is hard sometimes. Especially when I have to be mommy and be stern or firm about things. It may hurt for that moment but we love each other give kisses and hugs and are off to the next adventure in life. I am honored to be your mother. It means someone important upstairs thought I was worthy to share the Earthly experience with you. I get to learn patience, forgiveness(from you I always hope), joy and a list of adjectives I have yet to learn. The next 50, 60 years will change our dynamic many times over. I hope for the sake of my heart and probably for my health that you are always affection with me. So many friends of mine, who are also mothers, comment their children only want to cuddle if  they are sick. I have to ask you to let me get up from the couch. Which I don't find to be a burden at all. I wish everyone could have that, who wants it. You're eyes are so clear and so fresh to the world that you haven't been hurt by events yet, which makes me happy. You wake up everyday wanting an adventure even though I'm getting more and more tired by the day untill the big change happens. I am sorry for that but I will promise you that I will listen to your wonderful ideas and want to bask in the excitement of you discovering new ideas about the world.

I love every part of your handsome face. Your brown eyes with those super long eye lashes. Your smooth skin and awesome curls on your head. I love how you want to smile at everyone and want to know what their name is. Future politician I say but you could be anything you want to be. I love that your legs are getting longer and that you're getting taller. Love how you like to laugh real loud like me and that you're starting to enjoy saying jokes. I love that together you can make me a better parent. I just love you.