Two years ago, on the coldest weekend of the winter, Miles surprised us both by making his first action statement, “Ready or not, here I come!”

Looking back at my first view of Miles when he was born, with his big luscious lips chattering and eyes clenched shut, I am struck by how much that tiny baby was a stranger to me. I remember thinking, “Who are you? Who will you be? Who will I become as I love you?”

Because of some complications, I didn’t get to hold Miles until day 2 of our hospital stay. When I approached his crib in the NICU and I spoke to him, the nurse said, “He knows your voice.” I remember looking up at her, so relieved to hear that and surprised all at once. It was at that moment that despite all the things that stood between us for that first 24 hours, I was reminded of how much we were still connected. Every time I am standing at the sink and feel the warmth of him grabbing my knees from behind and clasping tight with his precious fingers or feel him relax into my arms as we snuggle before bed, I am reminded of that connection I am so blessed we share.

This time of year it’s amazing to see how much Miles has grown and changed from his birth. We could write a series of novels based on how much he has changed and grown so far. It’s also fascinating for me to see how much I have grown and changed as well from knowing him. (This after I swore UP and DOWN before Miles came that NO WAY was being a mom going to change me!) Of course, unless you are made of stone and have about 16 nannies, there is no way of escaping all of the wonderful (and sometimes not so wonderful) ways a baby changes you and your life. (Who would want to miss it either?) Let’s just say, all around, between me, Miles and John, there is a lot of growth going on in this house. So as we help Miles blow out his birthday candles, I also blow out some candles for myself in my heart as well. For this new person, called “Mom” that was born the same day Miles was born. Thank you Miles for helping me to learn all the new depths of love I find in my heart everyday. I’m building on more and more space in there, way more than I ever knew was possible. (It wasn’t long ago that I wondered, “How could I ever love anything as much, if not MORE than my dogs??!?”) That little stranger that I once looked at, completely mystified, two years ago, is now someone who is forever imbedded in my heart and mind.

So I raise my cup of tea to Miles as I wish him a very happy birthday and thank him for bringing so much laughter, love, surprise and glee into our life.

We threw a little party for Miles with my family and a handful of friends along with Miles’ BFF, Preston in attendance. I am slowly ramping up to someday throwing parties with other toddlers in tow. I had so many people I wanted to invite, but I cut myself off and reminded myself that my house is only so big and the week before Miles’ birthday isn’t the easiest 5 days of the year for us. I tried to keep it small, but you know how it is, you just go nuts and before yo know it, you are up at 1 AM baking cupcakes. It was all worth it though, because Miles had a blast and was an awesome sport. He ate when it was time to eat, played all the games (hilarious!), opened the gifts and of course, ate plenty of cake, helping himself to a second cupcake. He is STILL asking if there are more presents and just can’t stop talking about all of the balloons.

You’ll notice that Miles is just standing at the stairs in the beginning of the slideshow. When he woke up from his nap time, he awoke to a house decorated for a party and full of noisy people. It was A LOT to take in. He just stood at the top of the stairs taking it all in, cracking us all up.

So please join me for a little peek into Miles’ Curious George themed 2nd birthday. Just remember, I’m a mom throwing a birthday party here, not a photographer hired to capture this event! I even got to jump in front of the camera for a few when our friends grabbed my camera. (Yep, to my photog friends, you will notice I didn’t even sit my son in good light for his cake eating photos! UGH! I was trying to be a non-control freak.)

For a stroll even further down memory lane, here’s Miles at his one year birthday, INHALING his cake. I used the same song for his birthday, both years, because it just suits the day. 🙂

Thanks for letting a mom babble on and on about her little guy. Birthdays tend to make us moms a little more nutty and emotional than usual. (Am I right ladies?)