Ian is Two Years Old
// September 1st, 2009 // No Comments » // General
Two years ago today, exactly 35 minutes after arriving at the hospital, Ian Cooper Emmons was born. He weighed 1 oz. less and was 1 inch shorter than his big sister at birth, and felt so incredibly tiny in my arms.
Since that day, my son has taught me just as much as I try to teach him. Seeing first hand that men truly are born with certain characteristics has helped me better understand and relate to my son, and in turn my husband. That bugs can be fascinating and not just gross. That boys do like to read, so long as you find the right topic. That despite the destructive tendency to use everything as a club and rip things apart just to see what will happen to it when they do, that boys can be as equally compassionate and considerate.
Ian is a walking contradiction. He is mischievous and ornery. My house bares the evidence of his well deserved nickname – Dr. Destructo. Having a son has given me a true appreciation for the old saying, “mothers of boys work from “son” up til “son” down.”
But at the same time, he is loving and caring. He shows empathy for his sister when she’s hurt or upset, likes to help out around the house and loves to be snuggle bug, as well as give hugs and kisses.
Ian is now speaking in short sentences, and has developed a new found love of reading since we discovered a topic that can hold his attention – monsters. His favorite books are Go Away Big Green Monster and Where the Wild Things Are. He’s also taken a more active interest in what he wears, which really means he only wants to wear his favorite Oscar the Grouch t-shirt every single day.
By having a daughter, and now a son, each of my kids is exposed to things that are sometimes considered mainly for girls or mainly for boys, and that’s the way I like it. For example, Ally plays cars and pirates with Ian, and Ian plays princess dress-up with Ally (granted those pictures will be so embarrassing to him when he’s older!).
Tonight we are having cake and presents in honor of Ian’s day, but we aren’t having a party for him. Instead, we’re looking forward to celebrating his birthday at Disney World later this month.
Ian may be tiny in size, but he has an enormous amount of energy and personality. He and his sister have given Eric and me the best of both worlds, and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to experience the ins and outs of raising a daughter and a son.
So to my special little man on his day: Ian, I wish you the happiest of birthdays and know that you will always be the prince of my heart.
