HEARTFELT WORDS FROM A MOM TO HER 2 YEAR OLD SON

Moses Daniel... you have stretched and shaped me in more ways than one. I never knew patience before knowing you. You get your theatrics from your daddy, and I often find your energy to be intimidating and exhausting, but I hope you are never dulled by anyone or anything. 

We joke that you are our drill sergeant; I hope that you continue to lead boldly, my politician, and continue to polish your voice like you do now, my rhetorician, giving loud 20 minute speeches from our back porch, stick or pine cone in the air. 

Your mind is susceptible to boredom because it so quickly soaks up knowledge; I hope that you never lose your thirst for learning (though your thirst for milk can scale back... we can't sustain your half a gallon per day once your brother gets older). 

You have so many of us hopelessly wrapped around your finger; I hope that you use your charm for good. I hope that your tender side is never hardened but remains as soft as it is now when you crinkle your nose, squint your eyes, and do the half-grin that says "I'm sorry mama" without you needing to say the words as you lean your head against me. Sometimes I can't wait for you to go to bed, but then I find myself watching videos of you, smiling, missing you. 

These have been the hardest and most fulfilling two years of my life. You are my greatest challenge and my greatest reward. Happy Birthday, Mosey, my boy. Know that I will always be your shelter. Grow, run, and keep exploring. You were born wild, and I will raise you but won't try to tame you.