Happy 4th Birthday, Orion!

Today my baby boy turns 4.  I have no idea how that is possible.  I remember so clearly the first time he said "mama" and watching him waddle himself along the floor on his hands and feet because he didn't like the way his knees felt on the wood floors.

How is it possible that the same little boy is already able to sprint and tell me that "Tyrannosaurus is a carnivore that eats meat and carrion"?  He is such an incredible light and brings joy to the lives of everyone he knows.  He always has a smile on his face and a random comment to put a smile on mine waiting in the reserves.  All day today I have been receiving birthday wishes and declarations of love for this little boy.  I'm so incredibly grateful and overwhelmed at the amount of love that is being shared with someone so small.  I am completely sure that this is all because of him.  His warm smile, his witty sense of humor, and his loving heart all manage to enlighten even random strangers into talking to and about him.  I'm so impressed by him each and every day.  Happy birthday Orion.  Mommy loves you so so much.  You have made me a better person and I learn from you every day.

Cooking

Cooking with my son has become one of my favorite past times.  We decided to make supper together and Orion decided that French Toast was what we were going to have, and I was all for it.  I helped him to combine the ingredients, for the most part just by my pouring in the ingredients and him stirring them all together.  It was messy, and so much fun.  I love teaching him and watching him get excited about little things like flipping the bread over in the batter quickly and putting it on the hot griddle.  Life with him is such an adventure and it really, truly, never gets old.

Waffles

My son is the most amazing little boy in the world. He is caring, loving, and the funniest person I know. Last night, he was snuggly and lovey and I can't tell you how much I love that kid. Really, this post is just a rambling explanation of how amazing Orion is and that each day he shows me just how blessed I am to have him in my life. He's taught me so much about myself and the world. Last night's lesson: True love is sharing your waffle.

Maternal Observations

Ever growing, ever changing, ever evolving. This is the nature of humanity. Sometimes we are forced to step outside of ourselves and see where we fit into this puzzle. Sometimes we are the leader, the one who sets the path and marches to the beat of our own drum. Sometimes we are the follower, listening desperately for the drum beat and rushing to find the path that someone else has created. However, most of the time we are actually the drum, responsible for setting the pace and creating the beat, even when we have no clue what is going on. To successfully navigate through this world, you have to be comfortable with all of these roles, and knowing when you need to fill them. Becoming a mother has changed my life more than anything in the world ever could. Never before have I felt so loved and important, or so terrified and incompetent. My son has truly shown me that sometimes I have to set the path for him and show him what to do, but other times I have to follow his lead, and he'll teach me how things work. I have no doubt in my mind that he will grow to be an amazing man. I only hope that I can be half as an amazing woman as he deserves to have as a mommy.