Dear Anders,

Happy Birthday!

I know how happy you are to finally tell the world that you are a big boy of 6 years old. But I can’t help but feel a little dizzy by the idea that it has already been 6 years old since you came into our lives. I swear it was just yesterday that you (all of 2 weeks old) and I were huddled in the one air-conditioned room of our home, trying to stay cool during 100+ degree summer days.

Your birth, like the years that have followed, was easy with moments of fear and anxiety thrown in to keep us from getting too comfortable. The drugs that were designed to get you moving out of my belly caused your heart to beat too fast and your blood pressure to drop. When the drugs were stopped, your heartbeat returned to normal.

You were going to come out when you were good and ready, and not one moment sooner.

That pattern has repeated itself many times as we’ve watched you grow and explore. Walking, talking, potty training, training wheels – these things would be accomplished, but on your timetable. And when your father and I are feeling smart, we understand that it is our job to let you follow that schedule, and not push you along.

It turns out that you also spoiled us. You are adventurous, but not too much, letting us get away without childproofing our home. You are sweet and snuggly, preferring to get along rather than rail against our wishes. I have since learned, with the help of your younger sister, that not all kids are as happy-go-lucky as my big boy.

(I do worry you are a little too agreeable, a little too easy to push around. As with your father, girls – and their wishes – seem to be your weakness, and I fear that with their instruction you could end up in a lot of trouble.)

As you grow, I hope you will continue to find joy in the people and places you discover. Try new things, make new discoveries, explore new places – but follow your own schedule – and know that your father and I will always be watching (or cringing) ready to help you get back on your feet.

But do me one favor – don’t grow up too fast. I’m not ready to give up my little boy to the big world.

I will love you forever and a day,

Mommy