Dear Rowan,

Thank you for going to sleep so easily on your morning nap because it gives me time to catch up on housework.

Thank you for not wanting to take an afternoon nap at times because it means you’re enjoying life too much to take a break.

Thank you for resisting being fed when you’re sick because it means you have the energy to fight.

Thank you for crying when I leave you at daycare because it means you miss me.

Thank you for being easily distracted at daycare because it means you find interesting things to do there.

Thank you pushing me away when you want to sleep because it means you’re already able to find comfort in yourself.

Thank you for staying in my arms when you’re sleepy and sick because it lets me know that even though you’re still acting like the happy baby you always are, you don’t feel well and are in need of comfort.

Thank you for trying so hard to make me laugh and ingratiate yourself to me after your first day at daycare because it let me know that you felt abandoned and wanted desperately to return to my favor.

Thank you for being so sweet because it gives me no choice but to love your company.

There will be many times in the future when we are angry, frustrated or disappointed with each other, but I hope we will communicate then as well as we do now.

Thank you for being you.

Love,

Mommy

The gloves are off as Rowan does battle with his first nor’easter! (I think the elements won.)