I was the first

As I look at the simple and classic gem on your hand, the first words that come to my mind and continue to come to my mind over and over again is “I was the first.” I was the first woman to look into his deep brown eyes and wonder what he was thinking. Most of the time, he will not tell you. He keeps his secrets close to his heart.

I was the first to kiss those cheeks and feel my heart melt away. Over the years, they have slimmed up some and sometimes they have facial hair. But once upon a time, his cheeks were the most smoochiest part of his face and I pray your children have those same cheeks.

I was the first to kiss his boo boos and comfort him when he got hurt. He puts on a brave face most of the time. He won’t tell you he is hurt until it’s almost unbearable. He’s always been like that. That little scar under his chin was his first major boo boo. He barely cried then. But when he is hurt, your best reaction is to remain calm; no matter how much it kills you to see him in pain. He feeds off your calm energy. I think that’s what made him fall in love with you.

I was the first to teach him new things. He was always afraid to learn new things, for fear of failure. He was afraid to learn to walk, to ride his bike without training wheels and to swim. But, he learned everything except how to swing. I used to push him in the swing and sing “I love a little bitty boy and his name is walker.” He would giggle mischievously and say “I’m not walker, I’m Batman!” I love that you still give him a corner of the house for to proudly display his Batman memorabilia. Don’t push him too hard. He will come around in his own time and has always mastered everything he has attempted.

I was the first to scold him when he was in the wrong. He can be hard headed but has always been able to admit when he was wrong. Don’t be afraid to point out his wrongdoings. He needs it.

I was the first to love this baby of mine. From the moment he was born, my heart belonged to him. And it always will. But now he has yours too. I was the first, But you will be the most defining love of his life. I was the first to cry over him and cry for him. The days may come that you will do the same. Just know that his love is pure and my baby is someone to treasure. His heart is BIG but he keeps it heavily protected. When he lets you in, it is a true gift.

Tonight, as we celebrate your engagement, remember these things I am passing down to you: you may never know everything that goes on inside his mind, that’s okay. He will let you in on the most special thoughts. Trust him. Kiss his cheeks. Always remind him how smoochable he is. Everyone likes to feel loved and wanted. Be there for him when he’s hurt. He may not always show his pain, but will always need to know that you are there for him. Be patient with him when it comes to change and trying new things. He’s somewhat of an old soul. He has a tendency to overthink things. But he will come around in his own time. Always let him keep his little mischievous side- never take away Batman. Everyone needs a hero; and everyone needs to hold on to a part of their childhood. Don’t be afraid to call him out on his wrong doings. No one is perfect. Remember that. And promise to always treasure the heart that was once only mine.

Sharing your baby boy is hard for a boy-mom, especially if he is your only son. But there is truly no one else I would be willing to share him with. Welcome to the family!!!