Bursting at the Seams

Two.

That's how old Hughie is today (well, in our time). Wow. Has it been that long? I think about Hughie everyday, but tonight as I went through all our pictures of Hughie, I thought about him differently. I missed him more. I remembered how sick he was, and all the pain came back with the memory of how much he must have endured while he lived. My usual day-to-day thoughts of him are more along the lines of, I wonder what he is doing? Is Hank like his big brother? If he were here, I would have a little two-year-old running around. With every picture of my little Hughie, I kept seeing Hank's face. Kindred spirits, I'm sure. 

Ruby meeting Hughie for the first time. 15 months.

It also struck me, that Hughie is almost a whole year older than Ruby was at his birth, she was 14 months. It is no illusion...time really is racing. 

Reflecting on Hughie's coming and going tonight, made me want to sneak into the kids' room, scoop them out of their beds, hold them, and never let go. It reminded me to be more patient and more loving as a mother. Hughie's birth put in perspective what is important, but only two years later I still need reminding. I'm grateful to my Hughie for being that reminder (and for each time your memory helps me refrain from snapping at your siblings, they are grateful too:). 

Happy Birthday, my sweet little man! I love you.

...also, your big sis is under the impression you are in the spirit world hanging out with baby sister. She loves you both.