Alex is...SEVEN?!?!??!

Have you heard the one about the pregnant lady who caught the worst stomach bug ever when she was 38 weeks and 6 days pregnant?  Yes, yes you have, because I tell the same story every year in this blog.  I tell it, because it's the story of how Alex became the best Christmas present I could have ever received.  I was hell bent on not being in the hospital on Christmas, so looking  back, it was probably my fault that I was indeed in the hospital on Christmas.  But, I guess, if there is ever a good reason to be in the hospital and miss Christmas with your kids, it's because you're having another baby to add into the mix.

Alex.  My Al.  Ally.  Alejandro.  AllyBob.  My youngest and most precious.  I never knew I needed an Alex until you came into my world.  You were different from the get-go.  Rough and tumble from an early age, walking before the rest, a full on Tornado Ally, F5-ing all over the place by the time you were one.  You were the one who kept (and still keeps) me on my toes.  

You are LOUD.  You run when you should walk.  You are a smartypants.  You are rough and playful.  You are caring.  You are loving.  You are the sweetest boy.  You are special.  You are bright.  You are amazing.  Remember just up there (^^) where I said I didn't know that I needed an Alex until you came into my world?  Well, I can't express how HAPPY I am that I needed an Alex, because I honestly couldn't imagine life without you, my Bud.

Al, you and Daddy are twins, you're like in so many ways, it's so funny to watch you two do work together, or joke with each other.  You are the first to offer to help him, especially if it involves tools or heavy lifting (you're kind of a beast).  

You and Jack couldn't be more different.  Jack never did the rough and tumble thing, so I feel like he didn't prepare me adequately for all of what you brought to the table.  However, these days, you are such great friends.  You fight, sure.  But, you go to him when you need help.  You love the same toys and TV shows and you love to LAUGH together.  The sound of you two laughing at whatever you laugh at these days, is music to my ears.  

You and The Sass are like 'jackandemma' 2.0.  Always doing thing together.  Always looking out for each other.  Best of friends, worst of enemies depending on the situation. The relationship you have is cute to witness.  

And then there is Emma.  Emma is, without a doubt, your best friend and your second mother.  You get along so well and you are so eerily similar in so may ways.  It's the famous 'december connection' that I refer to at least 5 times a week.

Al, as the youngest, you had the most alone time with me.  These are days that I remember fondly and miss.  Our Target trips and our Dunkin dates.  I often say that I had the most solo time with you because you are the one who needed me the most.  I still think that you need me more at this age than the others did.  

You are a sensitive soul who needs constant reassurance.  You struggle with school, but you are trying your absolute hardest.  Your heart is so big, filled with so much love.  You are my best bud and I'm so, so thankful that you are mine.

Alex Michael.  May this year be a year of progress and growth. May you always feel the love that you are surrounded with.  I love you with my whole heart, and my whole soul.  My baby boy, forever and always.

Happy birthday, my dude.

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now

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