Dear Max

Dear Max,

You are already ten weeks old. These have been the most life-changing ten weeks of your mommy's life. I have learned more about myself in this short time than I ever thought possible. I considered myself a patient person before I had you, but you have taught me that patience is the most important skill for a parent of a newborn baby to have. You have also shown me how to be truly present in each moment. You grow and change so quickly, and we will never get these precious moments back, so we need to enjoy them. And enjoy them, we do!! We laugh so much every day. Your dad and I love to laugh and joke around, and it has been so wonderful to watch you join in the fun. Life is too short to take yourself too seriously. You already fit into our little family just perfectly.

Being your mom has deepened my empathy for other people, especially parents and their children. Never again will I judge anyone else's parenting choices, as long as they are loving their children and keeping them safe and healthy. Before you were born, I used to roll my eyes at crying children in Target. I learned very quickly what it feels like to be the mom of a screaming baby at Target, and also realized there really is no one right way to parent a child. Each family needs to do what is right for them, and there are lots of different ways to achieve this. I'm happy to report that our last several shopping trips have gone remarkably well, as long as I keep the cart moving, every....single...second!

As you get older, it has been such a pleasure for your dad and me to watch your sweet little personality come out. It's hard to believe that's possible at such a young age, but the way you act has changed so much in just the last couple of weeks. You are so happy when you wake up in the morning; that's when you smile the most. As I get you dressed, I ask you if you are ready to start your day and you answer me with the biggest, sweetest grin. I take that as a yes. I hope you're still a morning person when you're a teenager! You also LOVE to talk (even in your sleep). I think you get that from your dad. Our house is filled with the joyful noise of you telling me all about the hot topics in a baby's life. Those ladies on The View have nothing on you. Daddy is so happy to see you every night when he gets home from work. He rushes right over and gives you a kiss every time. The two of you have your special night-time routine, and we call him the Bath Master. He wants to make sure that you never become "the smelly kid." Ha!     

You've also taught me the importance of cat-like reflexes (which you know I certainly do not have). Changing a little boy's diaper is a game of russian roulette. Do you take the faster but more dangerous route and do a quick change without a rag in place to shield you, or do the smart thing and take an extra moment to protect yourself? Well, I've done it both ways, and we might end up drenched no matter what. Sometimes in the middle of the night we go the easy route and end up paying the price. I flick on the light to change your clothes and am greeted with a huge smile. Of couse! You planned the whole thing.  

It has been incredible to watch how the people in our lives have responded to you and embraced you with all their hearts. Your dad and I are blown away by everyone's genuine excitement and generosity. We have had so many visitors since you came home with us...friends and family bringing meals for us and gifts for you. I have absolutely loved watching my mom and dad (your Papa and Lola) become grandparents for the first time. Lola told me she feels like she has known you for much longer than you have been here...almost like we were all connected well before we even found out you were coming. I feel that same way about you. I know that you were meant to be my baby. It was also fun for us to watch Lola change her first diaper since 1988. She's still a pro! Papa likes to lift up your arm and watch it fall when you are taking a nap. He says that's how you know if a baby is TRULY asleep. Your Papa is very funny...you will see that more as you get older. My brothers Brian and Darren are such proud uncles. Their faces light up every time they see you. Darren comes over to our house and reads you books from our childhood collection, and you always look around to see where that big deep voice is coming from. You love to cuddle up and fall asleep in Brian's lap. I think you are drawn to his gentle spirit.

Your daddy's parents, Grandma and Grandpa, are also over the moon for you. Grandpa loves telling you you're "SO BIG" and Grandma can't get enough of your "mushy cheeks." They babysat for you once so your daddy and I could go out to lunch and we came home and saw them huddled in the corner of the living room, just looking down at you while you slept in Grandpa's arms. They had the biggest smiles on their faces. Auntie Ashley and uncle Jason are a big part of your life too. They are your godparents and will be there with you when you are baptized in a few weeks. Your auntie Ashley is a dental assistant and hand delivered your first baby toothbrushes to you on Valenetine's Day. You are lucky to have two wonderful cousins, Madison and Aiden. Madison is so sweet with you and always giggles at the silly things you do. Aiden can't wait to feed you M&M's. That was his first question when he met you in the hospital. "When can he have M&M's?" Good thing you have those toothbrushes ready to go.

Your mommy and daddy's friends have been so supportive, and they love you too. They are all honorary aunties and uncles. We can't wait to watch you grow up with them and their children in the years to come. When you were four weeks old, your aunties Kristin, Kari and Tara and uncles Mark, Brian and Jamie threw you the most awesome baby shower, complete with delicious food, decorations and all of our closest friends there to meet you. There was a slideshow of your newborn photos and pictures of me while I was pregnant with you. Your dad and I were so proud to introduce you to everyone, and you loved being held for five hours straight!

Thanks for being in our lives, Max...you have brought us more joy than you will ever know. You are the best snuggle partner and the most wonderful son we could have asked for.  

Love, Mom and Dad