As my middle son nears age 5, I feel like I missed him being a baby. Part of that may be him being the middle kid. Or maybe because he’s close in age to his brothers. Whatever the case, he suddenly seems so grown up!
This is what I want him to know.
Dear middle child,
It seems as though you were a baby yesterday. I can still vividly remember birthing you in a tub at the hospital. When the midwife pulled you from the water, she placed you on my chest. I was instantly overwhelmed when I met you. My heart was beating so fast because we both worked so hard and there you were. You cried and cried until you were cleaned up, swaddled, and placed back in my arms.
When the room cleared I faced you towards me so I could gaze on your precious face. You were happy and silent now. I felt so at peace in that little room. You snuggled daddy soon after. We were lucky to leave the hospital with you, unlike your brothers. It felt strange, walking off a day after we had you (instead of the 8 days in the NICU for your brothers).
When you came home, you made our tiny family more whole! Your big brother instantly wanted to hold you and feed you. As you grew more, he would play with you and your baby toys. He showed you the way of the world. And you two laughed a lot! I loved seeing you two become best friends.
I’ll still never forget the time your big brother dumped an entire can of baby powder all over you. When I walked in on the scene of the crime, you two stared blankly at me as if nothing happened. I laughed so hard!
Soon, you were 18 months old, and you were no longer a baby, nor the baby of the family. I feel like from then on was focused on your younger brother. I feel bad that we didn’t get more time with you as the baby.
But I can tell you one thing, I do appreciate you being independent. I love watching you tinker with gears and building sets. I love watching you color a picture of us. The way your tongue rests on your lips when you focus on the lines. I love your sweet little voice and your kind spirit. I love your perspective of life. And I absolutely love when you curl up next to me on the couch (and demand a prompt back rub).
I will never get those first few years back. All I know is that you grew up too fast, so I’m going to slow down and enjoy you more now.
I love you buddy!
