The wee man is three

I can't believe it's been three whole years. But the candles on the cake don't lie.

As I sit here on the eve of my baby boy's birthday and look at the photo above of him at the tender age of 1 month-old, my mind drifts to five years ago when I thought I could never love another child with the same intensity and immediacy that I felt for Cristian.

I use to look at parents with more than one child and wonder how they succeeded to love more than one child as much as I loved my one and only. In my mind, it seemed impossible to have so much emotion to share with multiple children. Surely, I thought, parents weren't honest when they said they loved their children equally.

But on September 26, 2007 I learned what so many parents knew before me: the love of a mother is limitless and it grows beyond imagination. As was the case when I first heard Cristian's cry so many years before, I instantly fell in love with Lukas when my eyes first fell upon him -- bloody, messy, wrinkly and all.

It's amazing to have this little person's laughter fill the house with so much happiness; or that his explorations can quickly replace a tired frown into a genuine smile of gratitude (a smile that thanks God and the Universe for allowing us such a miracle).

Unlike his brother, this wee one is feisty. He is the living definition of a "terrible two", and maybe even a "terrible three" (keep your fingers crossed for us that he isn't). And yet, he is at the same time sweet and adorable with his convictions. I know that he will be a great kid, a neat pre-teen, an awesome teen and an incredible man, just like his big brother.

I know that those stages will quickly come and go. For now, I hold tight to his toddler years as though they are the last drink of water on a lifeboat surrounded by only ocean. I know that I will someday be thirsty for these days again, and unless I take them in slowly, I'll miss them all.

Instead of missing them, I embrace each passing moment. I cherish the fact that even though he'll be three, my little tyke still refuses to use the potty. Yep. That's right. Mr. Lukas is still not potty trained (anyone with suggestions/advice are welcomed to share such precious knowledge below).

What makes up for little frustrations like the potty-less wonder and the still occasional tantrums? His smile; his laughter; the way he says,"Mommy, look at me!" with such pride; the way he likes to wear his daddy's shoes around the house, even though they're more likely to trip him than help him; the way he adores his big brother; the way he searches to touch my face before falling asleep; the way he says, "I love you mommy".

I wouldn't change a thing about my little Lukas, even when he's been a terrible two.

So, while I will most definitely wish the wee man a happy birthday on his special day, I will also take a moment to thank God for granting me the honor to raise two beautiful boys, including this gorgeous hippie-hair child of mine!


Here's the little guy being a little trouble maker, making daddy chase him after "stealing" daddy's cap! (He kept running so fast, I can't believe I even got this picture... but it's one of my faves)



Lukas loves being tossed up in the air:



Below are two pictures of Lukas taken in June during a visit to his favorite place: Zilker Park.