sǝuoſ ǝuıɥsunS | notebook, journal, inter-web log

Five years ago today everything changed. After a protracted labor, like a roller coaster ride, I found myself standing in the operating room with a pink little baby in my arms. He was warm, and wet. I looked at him and grinned, and though I doubt my child could see very well, he looked into my eyes, opened his mouth and showed me his tongue. We were friends immediately.

Five years later everything is changing, and nothing has stayed the same for too long. We have moved from comforting, singing, diaper changing, and feet dancing, through the protests of 2 and 3, to riding a tricycle, eating pizza together, walking side by side, or giving rides on my shoulders. We have language now, and share the a love of the Green Lantern, Hawk Girl, and really cool robots.

Two days ago we spent almost an entire day together for the very first time, exclusively, just the terrible two of us. We have the potential to become true friends, beloved, swirling, teachers and students. My son has so much to teach me, he is so smart, and becoming very patient. We stop and have a look at things, we talk them over, and while I look closer, he moves to the next thing where we begin again.

Already light years ahead of myself at his age. He has love, reassurance, connection, support, and esteem. I admire my little man, and am so proud of him.

Happy Birthday Son. May all the stars shine brightly for you, always and forever.

Love,
Daddy

As an aside:
Today is also our friend Manu’s 5th birthday. Gino and Magalli had a little boy on the same day, at nearly the same time. Exactly nine months after sitting on their front porch in Quebec, talking about how someday we would have children.

It’s also Jasper Johns, James Mason, Madeleine Albright, Pierre Curie, Brian Eno, and Mike Oldfield’s birthday too.