Dear Kyle,

As I watched you slumber so soundly next to dad, it still feels so surreal that you have been in our lives for almost half a decade. The day when I first laid my eyes on u and held you in my arms did not seem so long ago.

When I first knew that I was pregnant with you, it was unexpected. I was not ready to be pregnant, must less to be a mom. I was ambitious in my career and enjoyed my lifestyle, so I felt mixed emotions knowing that I was pregnant. I could not determine if I was truly joy that I experienced knowing that I was carrying a life in me, but apprehension was clear, as I did not know what to expect with this change in my life.

When u finally arrived in this world on this day 5 years ago, a sea of emotions washed over me, my apprehension disappeared and I was overwhelmed by the warm feelings of love and a strange sense of protectiveness.

The first few years of your life was difficult for me. You were a difficult infant and toddler, one who was extremely picky with food and barely slept through the night despite my utmost effort to train you. So I made the choice to stop full time work, to be with you most of the time and did not miss any key milestone moments in your development.

You are a joy and a blessing to your dad and I. Sometimes I may get a little caught up in the pressures and the busyness of life that I forget to tell u that I love u. You, on the other hand, do not forget and will always tell me "I love you Mommy." when I tuck you into bed.

Never mind that you had temper tantrums this evening, after a long and exciting day with your friends. You are always so insistent and determine, sometimes in the wrong way. However, mom will forget these not so good days and your tantrums very quickly.

Nonetheless, mom is reminded that her role as your mother is not to raise a good rule-following child, but a God-following adult. I do hope this insistence and determination that u have, as you become an adult, you will be just as insistent and determined enough to follow the purpose that God has for u. 

Most of all my son, do not forget to love. Love always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love God with all heart and love your neighbour as yourself. Do always remember to treat others with compassion, patience, kindness and respect.  

Happy Birthday my dearest son. Thank u for reminding me how to love, how to be contented with the simple things in life, how to be carefree and how to trust. Thank you for bringing so much joy and blessings into our lives.

Love always,

Mommy 

P.S.

You are still welcomed to bunk over and sleep with Daddy and Mommy on certain nights, as long as you do not grow too big and there is still space for us on the bed to sleep comfortably. Do note that I said certain nights and not every night.