happy birthday, obi-2

Two years ago, we received a gift like no other: our second baby boy was born into our home. Literally... as we had a planned home birth with Obi-2! His birth story still rattles around in my mind, and most of it really met my hopes for how he might enter our family. I'm sure the most painful moments of labor are long-lost, for which I'm very thankful, because that was a great way to start life as a family of four.

The first year with two children was mostly a blur of feeding, changing diapers, and sleeping (or obsessing about sleep). Our boys are close enough together, at only 18 months, that Obi-1 was still a baby in many ways when his brother entered the family. I think the best word to describe the experience of "2 under 2" is intense. There were sweet moments of reading stories to a toddler while nursing a baby, but also many times where I was keeping our oldest, who was quickly developing athletic skills, from clobbering our youngest, who was safest in a sling pulled tight over his parent's shoulder!

Honestly, I don't remember many individual stories or specifics about each of them since Obi-2 was born. Perhaps funny moments will stay in my brain, or sweet memories, like when I took a "spring break" trip with Obi-2 last year, and hopefully certain milestones are jotted somewhere on a calendar. The fact is, much of the day-to-day life is parenting two children, not one, and so many of memories of my Kenobis are "joint." When I was pregnant with Obi-1, this was a source of fear for me; I wanted each of my children to have my unique attention and devotion in their early years. I worried that I wouldn't be able to fully love or show care to two children in the way I felt capable with one.

Now that I'm in the thick of it, I realize some of the benefits that only sounded like a sales pitch before. My love for my children didn't just double, it exponentially increased. My sons really are sweet friends and love each other dearly. They share and play in ways that are beyond most children at their ages, and are learning that they are not the center of the universe (a lost concept for many adults!) When we want to do something special, they have very similar interests, and so we are a little "pack" when we go out and everyone can enjoy the adventure or work on a project together.

Now that my baby is turning 2, I'm catching my breath and realizing how much fun it is to mother boys. Obi-2 has definitely benefited from the "push" of keeping up with a big brother, as he is barely behind any activity or adventure his older brother can try. He's also starting to speak in ways that most people might understand - ah, thank goodness for language development! Aside from the occassional swear words that replace "trucks" or "sticks," his sentences are stringing together well and I love that he's mastering our language.

Obi-2, I'm so thankful for you.
You are a gift, a blessing from the loving God who knows you best.
I love your keen - and already developed - sense of humor.
I love your adventurous spirit.
I love your kind, genuine sympathy, and your sweet gentleness.
I'm amazed at your agility and speed, and I admire your competitiveness.
I love the twinkle in your eye that gives away your guilt.
Your carefree personality makes everyone around you smile.
I enjoy how you don't let bumps and falls discourage or distract you. You are beautifully independent and strong.
May you keep these qualities, and may I always appreciate them as gifts of who you are.
Oh, my dear sweet boy, I love you, love you, love you!!
I'm so happy to wish you the very best 2nd birthday ever!