When you turned two
Beloved Leo,
The world was about to turn upside-down;
Mommy's belly was big and we all talked about "baby";
Mommy, Daddy, Naia, MeMas
Cousin Alex, Rachel, Justin--
Everyone around you loves you so much, Leo!
You turned two;
When you turned two
We'd nicknamed you "the strong-willed child"
Your favorite things were "cocodos" and "waywos"
(Crocodiles and whales)
And cars and trains and
Muddy water covering your clothing
Hikes down to the river
Or just to the pond below the drainpipe
Where you throw the stones and stare at ripples
Watching fishes flee;
And up above the shed and flower garden
Splashing in the birdbath and
Alarming all
By climbing up the stairs to the room above/ behind the garage
(The rail-less dilapidated porch up there a perfect place to fall ten feet);
When you turned two
We'd been expecting BroSis
(Didn't know yet if a boy or girl)
For weeks already;
Due date on your second birthday,
Optimistic, figuring we'd have the baby well before Your Special Day!
But May the 17th, it came and went,
You got a tunnel, lots of trains(!! : ),
A shovel, pail, wheelbarrow, watering can and garden set all for yourself!
You got more Weeble-people, a tool set, stacking cardboard blocks from Naia,
And three chances to blow out the candles and eat cake
("Don't eat THOSE candles, Leo!!" ; )--
And the baby still in-belly,
Mommy miserable, impatient (as we all were--
Every phone call, email, text began with "baby here yet?")
Nine days yet to wait, we know now;
When you turned two,
May had lots of rain, and spring had been so cold until then,
But the hot and dry days came in May,
Around your birthday,
You and Alex, Naia playing in the purple elephant wading pool
With built-in sprinkler in the trunk,
And Paces' present to you-- outdoor mini basketball hoop set!
Many memories
Have filled this wondrous time with you
When you turned two
I'm glad to write this all down, now,
Want to remember just how great it's been
Because this time
Has been so centered
On the imminent arrival
Of (we now know)
Your Amazing Sister Mirabai!
But even though
It's been a grand distraction
Those who love you've
Had a great time
Celebrating this amazing time
When you've turned two
'Cuz we So Love You!
Lovely Son,
My Leo
My Love for You
Never Ending, Never Will.
Love,
DaddyZ
ZL
5.28.13
(11 days after You Turned Two)
