Little man turns two today. A milestone for both him and his momma. I totally believe in celebrating the heck out of his little life. What accomplishments he’s made! But, in the to-do that is a two-year-old’s birthday, I think it’s only appropriate to take a few minutes to contemplate, as his mom, how far I’ve come in the past few years.
Three years ago today: My husband and I had been trying for over a year to get pregnant. I was a full-time working real estate professional making the “big” bucks and feeling very important. I wore business suits for goodness sake. 
I had an assistant, the power to write contracts, and the freedom to take a lunch break. I was sitting pretty. My husband and I had discussed that if we weren’t able to have children, we’d be OK.
Two years ago today: I had been laid off from my real estate job. I had gone into labor the night before. I was in the hospital, and there were complications from delivery. I thought that maybe I made a mistake with the whole baby thing. In between passing out in the delivery room, I was able to take glances at this little baby I had just given birth to. Who was that? I’m sure he was thinking the same thing about me. I had no other close friends that had babies, and I felt very alone. No book had prepared me for my new job as full-time mom. My mom said that someday soon, I would realize that having a baby was the best decision I’d ever made. Hmmm….
One year ago today: Graham and I warmed up to each other. In fact we’d become quite close. I had also become quite proficient at the stay-at-home mom gig, much thanks to the fabulous moms that I met through the playgroup I created. All of this was made easier by the simple fact that my child was a by-the-book, easy baby. I had crossed to the other side of motherhood – embracing my new role, no longer feeling like my life as I knew it was over. I also was feeling quite sure that one child was enough. No need to put my body and emotional self through the trauma of having another child.
Today: My goodness, Graham. You have become quite the toddler. You sing, you count, you try to say the alphabet. You call for your dog in the morning and exclaim “I bah-boo, Mama!” (Translation: I love you, Mom!) The jury is no longer still out – I know that having a child was the best decision I will ever make. Despite the hardships that it took to get you into the world, I want for you to (one day) have a brother or sister. I have a supportive family and the best group of mom-friends in the world. You have girlfriends, a love for the outdoors, and a great appreciation for cake. Lucky you – it’s your birthday. And in our house, that means cupcakes for breakfast!
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