Kade turns 3 today. As I was tucking him into bed last night and singing my rendition of “My Kade,” I studied his face…the way his eyes turn down at the corners, just like his dad’s…the dimple in the middle of his forehead, which was the first thing I noticed when they laid him on my belly upon his entrance into this world…the round, softness of his face that allows me to catch a glimpse of my newborn, even though he is now 3 years old. I thought about the times that I long for him to grow up…to be potty trained, to go to school, to dress himself and tie his shoes and brush his teeth…all on his own, and all of the times that I struggle to remember the outline of his newborn hands and feet, the way his blond hair curled ever so slightly, how his tiny hands would wrap around my finger in the wee hours of the morning, erasing the pent up frustration of an entire night spent pacing the floor of our apartment in a feeble attempt at getting him to sleep. We’ve come a long way. But, it’s these times…the ones spent playing pirates, doing puzzles, acting out movies, reading countless stories, and singing “My Kade” for the thousandth time…that really matter.

Kade has taught me so much about myself in his 3 years. He made me a mother, which was the single greatest gift anyone has ever given me. He has tested my patience, my will, and my sanity and in the process he has taught me how to laugh, how to listen, and most importantly…how to love.

I had so many expectations for him when he was tucked safely inside my ever-expanding belly. I envisioned an artist, a musician, a scientist, an athlete and he has been all of those and more. He entered this world with a bang, and he has continued to live life out loud ever since. It’s still hard for me to look at him and realize that he is mine…this amazing little boy, so wise beyond his years.

Happy birthday, Kade. May every day begin with a smile and a kiss, and end with you in my arms, singing whatever song your little heart desires…