3 years
I cannot believe a year has past since I wrote this. I cannot believe that tomorrow, Michael is 3.
3 years ago today I gave birth to the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. And I'm not biased at all. 3 years ago today my life changed in an instant, and since then, it's been impossible to be the person I was before.
I know Michael's birthday post should be about him. I should tell you about Michael's vocabulary, how he uses words like camouflage, believe, excited, and negotiate. How he can tell you everything he did that day, word for word. He may still not know the alphabet, how to count to ten, or go in the potty, but man can this kid talk. And talk he will.
He is also quite polite. He says please and thank you and shakes hands when he meets you. He says, "my name is Michael, what's your name?" He is sad when other children cry and wants to make sure they are OK. He wonders every day when Daddy is coming from work and tells my I'm his best friend. He gives the best hugs.
I cannot believe how I have changed in 3 years. I say please and thank you. I skip going out with friends so I can be home with my son. I took a back seat in my career so I can have more time with him.
When he was admitted to the hospital, my heart actually stopped beating. When the doctor said the words, "potentially fatal" I thought I might pass out. The thought of living, without Michael, was more than I could bare.
I am not just Michael's mom, he is my son. He is my everything. He is the air that I breath and the life that I lead. Every choice I make, I make for him, because of him.
I never knew my heart could expand so much. That it was possible to love something, anything this much. Raising Michael is the thing in my life that I am most proudest of. He is the one thing I am really good at. Even on my worst days, the days he watches too much tv, the days I yell too much, I am a good mom.
I once read somewhere that each baby chooses their parents. Michael, I will always be eternally grateful that you chose me. Happy Birthday, I love you more than you will ever know.
Happy Birthday to Michael! This is a beautiful post and video. The last photo of the three of you is very good!
Posted by: 03/14/2008 at 03:25 PM
Happy Birthday Michael! :)
Posted by: 03/14/2008 at 05:02 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL!
Posted by: 03/14/2008 at 05:23 PM
Beautiful! Happy Birthday, Michael!
Posted by: 03/14/2008 at 05:48 PM
Happy Birthday.3 years seems so long, yet just three years! Wow! He's got so much life ahead of him. I bet three is going to be a super year...all the new discoveries.Way to go, Super Mommy! You've raised a great little tiger!
Posted by: 03/14/2008 at 08:04 PM
Happy Birthday Michael! And what a fantastic post and slide show -- Michael made a fantastic choice when he picked you!
Posted by: 03/14/2008 at 09:37 PM
Happy Birthday Michael. I hope you all enjoy.
Posted by: 03/15/2008 at 02:31 AM
Happy birthday to you, Michael! And to Mom for all her love & hard work!
Posted by: 03/15/2008 at 03:45 AM
Happy birthday Michael and happy anniversary of being a mother to you. Childbirth is a huge rite of passage. I always find it odd that we aren't encouraged to talk about the anniversary of it.
Posted by: 03/15/2008 at 04:44 AM
Finally delurking to say I'm bawling all over my keyboard! Beautiful tribute...my girl is just a few weeks older than Michael, so I guess this just got me in the right spot-
Posted by: 03/15/2008 at 05:22 AM
Happy Birthday Michael! What a beautiful post Jodi!
Posted by: 03/15/2008 at 08:02 AM
Happy Birthday Michael!!!!!!! That was beautiful Jodi.. Made me cry....
Posted by: 03/15/2008 at 04:23 PM
Happy Birthday Michael!!
Posted by: 03/15/2008 at 08:38 PM