Trend Setter

Summer 2010 new style

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Dear Kavaun,

Happy second birthday buddy.

People told us when you turned one that it was going to get even better. I half-heartedly believed those people.

But now I get it. It is not that it gets better necessarily, it's simply that the total sum of the days with you makes it seem better now. We needed all those early days to add to the Kavaun we know today. Your personality was evident right away though. Stubborn, yet cute. Proud, but also sneaky and funny. Affectionate and independent. Son, you wasted no time letting us get to know all of you. And all of you, over the course of your first two years, makes now the best time of my life. Thank you.

I will probably be preaching the same story next year at this time and maybe for a few years after that too. I like being naive and I enjoy the vulnerability that comes with being your baba.

When you were days old and you smiled to show me that dimple, it was perfect. Months later you were crawling and laughing and again, perfect. Your first steps, the princely first birthday celebration and and all the giggles later, and we loved every bit. At any point you could have asked me and I would respond, "this is the best time." Now you are two, running, talking in one and two word sentences, fake crying, repeating phrases ("hot mama" and "cool dude") and answering our questions (Who is your president?). These moments - all of them, including the nights we stay up or even sleep on your floor - are special. I can honestly say that before you, I only thought I was able to live in the moment. You have redefined what a moment can be.

Those moments, all the pictures, the videos - it is all special because you are special. And maybe someday, a long time from now, you will be able to understand the incredible power of your kisses and hugs, the way your giggle can literally change the course of an entire day or how an overwhelming sense of pride and joy can be wrapped up in one expression because you will get to be a dad.

Buddy, I cherish our life together. You and your mom fulfill me.

Happy Birthday buddy,
Baba

Note for the record: Beata's parents came to Michigan to celebrate Kavaun's birthday. We enjoyed dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe (Kavaun loves elephants right now) and we spent time at the orchard too.