10 YEARS
Noah Baby,
Years from now you will learn about 9/11. There is absolutely nothing that I can say now that can relate how meaningful this day is to our history. I could tell you where I was that day, and what reaction I had, but I feel like that would do a great injustice to those who lost family and friends in that tragedy. My experience was nothing special. What is special is the camaraderie and passion the experience evoked.
I can say that the events surrounding 9/11 profoundly impacted me. I think it would be naive to say that it did not impact everyone in some fashion but it would be even more idiotic to not recognize how little the events did actually affect my day-to-day life. I did not lose anyone that day. I did not even have a friend or a friend-of-a-friend who lost someone.
What did change for me personally was my outlook on foreign policy, morality, and politics. I will tell you about that one day. For now, we will be blessed that we live in such a great country. We will recognize that many have served to protect our freedom. What your father and I hope that you learn out of all of this is that we will continue to dissent because we are patriots. We will continue to question our government and our role as a leader in the world because we believe that freedom is a concept that all should realize one day. One day, little bird, it will all make sense.
Love,
Mama
UNTIL THERE WAS YOU
Noah Baby,
I am writing this to thank you for what you have given me. You have brought out the passion, the fierceness, the love, the honor, the pride, and the gentleness in J that I always recognized and fell in love with but never knew the true limits they could reach until there was you. Yesterday, standing in our living room, in a voice so resolute, our J said he will do everything to fight for you. This I believe. You have brought our relationship full circle and have given us a reason to continue improving ourselves in love. You have saved us from our mistakes in so many ways. We love you endlessly, our little bird.
Love,
Mama
MORNING KISSES
Noah Baby,
This morning you kissed J bye-bye on the arm. He was in bed bundled up under a heap of covers, trying to squeeze in a few more minutes of sleep before leaving for work when I told you to shout out a “goodbye”. Instead, you ran into our room, climbed onto the bed, and kissed the only exposed part you could find - an arm.
Love,
Mama
AWW MAA!
Noah Baby,
You have been growing smarter, faster, and stronger every day. The lightning speed of your development is dizzying. I simply can’t keep track of all your new tricks. In the past few days you’ve developed somewhat of a Cockney accent bellowing a, “Aww, MAA!” and letting out a huge sigh whenever I say you can’t do something mischievous. It’s the most adorable thing.
And your curls? They are getting longer and bouncier. Your eyes? They are getting clearer and bluer. Your kisses and hugs are more intentional and your conversation is more engaging. You are exiting babyhood and running full speed into toddlerdom. Please slow down so I have a chance to remember it all.
Love,
Mama
BEE WISHES
Noah Baby,
Your favorite thing to do these days is collect coins in your pocket and throw them into any fountain we pass. You call the coins “bee”. I tell you each time you toss one in to make a wish. I wonder what your “bee” wishes are?
Love,
Mama
