Dear Hayes,
We woke you up this morning to sing happy birthday to you, and brought you downstairs to open your presents and have a donut fiesta. You were so excited. It’s like you couldn’t believe that today was actually YOUR birthday. Finally!
We all call you Hayesie. Your classmates, Hudson, and all the teachers, too. So sometimes when we ask you what your name is, you’ll say, “Hayesie.” It’s hilarious, but then sometimes I think we should stop so you don’t grow up thinking your name is Hayesie.
Being your mother is one of the sweetest privileges of my life. You are my sweetheart. You are the little light in this house that is always shining. Always beaming. Always laughing and looking for the party.
When someone is sad, you hug them. When someone is laughing, you tell them how funny they are. You greet everyone you meet with a smile. When we have visitors at the house, you want to take them around and show them your room and your favorite toys. You want everyone to feel as welcome as possible, and I just love that about you.
You’re our little wild card. Sitting still is not your favorite. You love to move and dance and do anything physical. You talk all the time and you don’t have a mean streak in your body. You’re not always obedient, but you are always sweet. I could cry just thinking about the way you hug using your whole body. And the way you grab my face to kiss my cheek. Totally unprompted… just because you’re you and you’re so loving.
If Hudson taught me how to be a mommy, you have taught me how to slow down to enjoy every single day. You’ve reminded me what a gift it is to be a mommy and what a joy it is to be your mommy and Hudson’s mommy. You love to enjoy everything for what it is. We take walks and hold hands. You soak every little thing up.
Even though you’re always running, you’re never actually in a hurry. When we opened your presents this morning, you wanted to stop and savor that first present. You weren’t ready to see what was in the next one. I get all teary thinking about what a good friend you will be and I just know that you’ll be the kid that everyone wants to be around because you treat everyone like they’re special.
I’m so thankful for your sweet little spirit and I’m so thankful for the way you rub off on the rest of us. I look at you and I still see my tiny little baby. Watching you grow up has been tough because I know you’re still really so little, but the time sure does go by quickly.
There aren’t enough words for me to tell you how wonderful you are and how much fun you are. But I will love you, love you, love you for as long as I live, and because of you, I’ll slow down a little bit more every day. You are such a light. Happy birthday, my sweet baby boy!
Love,
Mommy
chrissy says
Happy Birthday, Hayes! What a sweet letter to your little boy!
Blue-Eyed Bride says
Thank you so much!
Kaitlin Harrison says
Happy Birthday sweet Hayes! Hope you have a fun fiesta day! 🙂
Blue-Eyed Bride says
Thank you so much!
Christen Reed says
Currently crying in my cubicle over this post. Love you and your sweet boy. Happy Happy Birthday, Hayes!
Christen Reed says
Currently crying in my cubicle over this post. Love you and your sweet boy! Happiest of Birthday’s Hayes!
Jennifer says
Crying here too while watching Paw Patrol with Henry. Sweet Post! Happy Birthday, Hayes!
Jenny Collier says
What a sweet boy. Happy Birthday Hayes!
Shay Shull says
Happy birthday Hayes!!! What a special son you are to your sweet parents! Praying for you specifically today! XOXO
Sarah says
Already? Crazy! Time certainly flies!
Bethany says
I can’t believe he is three! I remember when I “found” your blog and you were pregnant or just had him. Seems crazy it’s been that long. Time flies! Happy birthday, Hayes!
darci says
Hope that sweet angel boy had the happiest of days!! His personality truly shines through in photos — he reminds me a lot of my sweet J. Wild and sweet as they come. Happy birthday, Hayes!
dah says
SWEET Mommy and son!
Jamie says
Love the letter idea! So sweet! I do this every Christmas for my son Jack but I love the idea of doing it on his birthday!! Happy birthday Hayes!!
Leah says
Babies grow to fast! I want to pause every sweet stage and yet can’t wait to see what they will do next! Enjoy the terrible and terrific threes!
Amanda says
Time sure does fly. What a sweet post! Funny story-a family friend called their daughter Charlie Brown forever because she was so bald. She went to Kindergarten and told them that was her name!