Juggling the needs of two children, the stresses of pregnancy and regular everyday stresses (why does everything have to cost so much??) is hard, and getting harder with Jax's constant tantrums and defiant attitude. I need to remember that he's not just a pile of screams with "No-s" on top. So I will do exactly what I did with Charlotte, I will list the top ten things I love about Jax. When I feel that I can't take it anymore, I can simply remember this list and smile.
1. The way you snuggle
When I pick you up you melt into me immediately. You put you your head on my shoulder and your arms around my neck and all tension disappears from your body. Not only is it super comfortable but it also makes me feel needed in all the right ways.
2. Your imagination
Some days you are a boy, some days you are a girl, some days you crawl into my room panting and telling me that you are a puppy. I indulge everything you say you are because I never want that playful imagination to die.
3. Your memory
You remember stories and tell me them months later. You can also recite Thomas episodes and teach me about different rainforest animals featured in Diego. It always makes me laugh hearing you say "NO! Cried Thomas" it's so grammatically correct for a two year old.
4. Your love for your sister
I swear in your eyes Charlotte can do no wrong. You smile at everything she does, laugh hysterically at every joke she makes (despite them not making any sense) and you'll try anything if Charlotte has done it. I'm not sure how your bond with Charlotte will change and grow as time goes on, but right now it's something beautiful.
5. Your chunky legs
You were a giant baby, you've always been my big guy. Now as you grow older and taller you are thinning out but amazingly you have kept my favourite part - your chunky legs. Seriously they are adorable. I can spend all day tickling them and your laugh is just the icing on the cake.
6. Your voice
It is the cutest thing I have ever heard. I know it will go through a million changes over the years but right now it just melts my heart - you also seem to have an "accent" with certain words. I have to idea where it came from but I'm not stopping it!
7. You are helpful.
All of your imaginary play revolves around someone being in trouble and you needing to save them. You aren't yet into thinking violence is funny or battles you just want to save everyone. I think it's wonderful.
8. Your appetite.
It might cost me a lot in the future, and it certainly was tiring as a baby; but I like not having to worry whether you are getting enough to eat. I'm sure you will grow up healthy and strong.
9. You are indestructible
I never really have to worry about getting hurt. You seem to be made or rubber, you bounce and nothing seems to really phase you. The best part? Even though you are never really hurt, you ask for kisses from Mommy to make it all better. I of course oblige every single time, one day you may not be asking for my kisses!
10. You are stealth
As much as the "go to sleep" dance is frustrating I can't help but smile when I come back upstairs from switching over the laundry and you are all tucked into my covers like you belong. Not a peep you're just there - if you were trying to trick me into snuggles, it totally worked shhhhhhh.
There are many more things I love about my handsome son, most of which can't be put into words. These things will help me survive the next few months and the bond we share will help me through anything.
