Dear Xavier - Two Years

Dear Xavier,

Seemingly more often than not, whenever we say your name it is followed by an exasperated sigh.  You may be cute, kid, but you are also Trouble.  Up until recently, there were very few things that we could name that you actually enjoyed.  Yes, there has always been food, which never ceases to make you happy.  But anything else?  Not so much.  If something is fun, it's almost a guarantee that you'll hate it.  The beach?  Nope.  The park?  No way.  Bowling?  Of course not.  Toys?  Only if it is fake food in the play kitchen.  Yep, you have always been so difficult to please.  And, instead, you were interested in all things you aren't supposed to.  Electrical sockets?  You go for it.  Daddy's tools or Mommy's sewing stuff that we might've left out accidentally?  You immediately make a run for them with glee.  Pretty much anything that you shouldn't be doing or touching is all that you want to do.

Oh, kid. On top of everything else, you have that mischievous grin and contagious laugh and you just happen to be so gosh-darn cute.  Sigh. You are definitely something else.

But my, how you've grown.  You're about 24 pounds now. Such a long way from your 3.3 pound arrival.  You're talking nonstop (even though I'm usually the only one who understands you).  You've moved into your sister's room.  You're slowly starting to become interested in some things fun (i.e. splash pad, walking Rupert, bubbles).  And you're as healthy as can possibly be.  In fact, your only specialists that still want to see you (that is, the cardiologist and the audiologist) don't even want to see you until you are 3!  You've come a long way, buddy.

Which is why, even though you've given me a run for my money from the moment you were born,  I thank God every day for you.  Every single day.

You're my little preemie.  My big boy.  My Xavier.  I love you.

Love,

Mommy

P.S.  I'm looking forward to celebrating the day with you today, starting with Mass and going out for breakfast before Daddy heads to work.  Then we'll buy your birthday balloons, open the last of your presents, and head to Cheekwood tonight for a picnic with your godfamily.  What a fun birthday day!

And here are a few of my recent favorite pictures of you:

Showing off your barong.

Secure in your masculinity.

Enjoying the "rain" at the splash pad.

Enjoying vacation life.

Elephants!  Zoo!

All is well with a hair cut and lollipop.

The photo we used for your superhero birthday invites