Dear Jack

Dear Jack,

You deserve a better mommy than me. You are such a sweet, fun, and happy little boy. (Ok, maybe not yesterday but on most days). Given your wonderful attributes, you deserve a mommy who sings your praises to the world and tries to capture on camera and video the wonderful moments of your ever-evolving life.

So what did you get? A mommy who hasn't even updated her blog to post the pictures of your first birthday. A mommy who hasn't gotten video of your vastly improved efforts at walking. A mommy who hasn't taken the time to document all the new things about you - - like how you love to dance around, how you love to go outside, how much you love Fly, how when you give kisses you do it with a wide open mouth, etc. I think you get the drift.

And I hope you don't associate me with torture after I helped the nurse and Dr. S. hold you down on Wednesday so that the doctor could remove the skin between your front teeth. I know that can't have been easy for you. But, so you know, it was hard on me too.

I wasn't here to put you to bed tonight because I had to get some work done at Daddy's office. But on my way home, I stopped at Kroger and picked up some bananas for you because I know how much you love them. I'm still a bit baffled that you can eat an entire banana but I guess that at 22.6 pounds you need a lot of nourishment.

And I know you can't really understand why I've started putting some stick with bristles in your mouth and moving it around on a daily basis, but brushing your teeth is very important. I do wish that you would stop eating the toothpaste though.

I would read books to you if you would sit still long enough for me to do so. But, unlike your sister when she was your age, you can't sit still long enough for me to read to you.

I know you can't be pleased with my performance. But can I say this? I noticed that your Daddy had only one picture of you in his office. I've got a lot more than that. Maybe we should approach Daddy and suggest that he replace some of that lame swimming art with pics of you?

When we get back from Pittsburgh, I vow to: post your birthday pics; take you to get your picture made (In my defense, you haven't been cooperating with my efforts in this regard. First you get skin stuck between your teeth and today you look like you've got a little acne problem.); and do a better job taking pictures of you.

Since Mommy is making an effort to do better, perhaps you should resolve to be a better son. For starters, could you do me a favor and NOT wake me up at 6am like you did yesterday morning?

Love,
Mommy