Belly Buttons

Dear Caden,

No, you do not need a new belly button. No, you cannot feed Jacob through his belly button, please take the fish stick out of his belly button. No, I don't know why Daddy has so much fuzz in his belly button and you don't, but you will get there one day I am sure of it. No, your belly button doesn't talk while you are asleep. No, your belly button doesn't burp. No, Mommy only has one belly button and not the 5 you keep trying to say - those are scars from my surgeries. No, Mommy's belly button isn't thirsty. No, you're belly button isn't thirsty either - please take the straw out of it. No, Daddy's belly button didn't eat your finger - just take it out. No, your belly button doesn't toot and no, your hiney does not fall off if you unscrew your belly button (thank you Daddy). And once again, Tiger's belly button is not located underneath his tail.

Love,
Mommy

Missed Memo

Dear Caden,

Did I miss something? Since when did you grow tall enough to even be able to do this? Obviously you didn't get the memo either - that kids aren't supposed to raid the refrigerator until their teens.

Love,
Mommy

Love

Dear Caden,

Daddy is holding you in his arms as we say your nighttime prayers. You have one arm curled around Daddy's neck and you reach for me, pulling me close. You hug us tightly together and I feel your breath tickle my neck as you say, "I really love you guys."

I have many goals and aspirations of what I want to do or be as a parent. One of the main ones is for you and Jacob to know that you are loved - truly loved - unconditionally for who you are today and not for who you might be. That you are perfect just the way you are.

So tonight, as I lay in bed with your simple words echoing through my mind, I can't help but smile. My heart is happy. Oh my dear Caden - for it is I who really love you guys.

Love,
Mommy