Because the hustle of motherhood sometimes keeps us from really experiencing it, I find that jotting down a letter to one of my children helps me see him clearer for a while. See Quinn’s letter here. Trenton is next. Today is Chase. I hope my letters help you see your children a a bit more, too.
Dear Chase,
You are our quirky child.
After having you, I hope every parent gets to have one.
You speak in a man voice when you’re serious, and you inhale so much while you babble in excitement that we only catch the gist of what you’re saying.
You walk your fingers up my arm, onto my head, and across my face as I try to get you dressed. (Most days, I have no patience for this. Sorry about that.)
You point your toes outward and your index fingers upward when you do your signature victory jig.
You float, face down, in the pool after jumping in, just enjoying the view and trusting us implicitly to be there when you need us. (Your trust is an honor, and we hope to keep it forever.)
I see you, with your shoes on the wrong feet (because you just don’t care) and an inside-out pocket blowing in the wind, and my heart wants to burst.
I hope you never lose your weirdness. I hope no one—not your classmates, your siblings, your parents—extinguishes the quirky in you.
It makes you creative. It makes you dauntless. It makes you you.
I love you always,
Mom
I love that goofy little Chasey Chase. I hope I have a weird child too!
Thanks, Rach! Maybe THIS baby will be your quirky one! It’s really so fun and hilarious. Can’t wait to see you!
So sweet, your little man! I’m glad he and L are in the same preschool! Beautifully written. I really need to write about (and to) my kids, because I know I’m going to forget!
Thanks, Angelica! I know – it’s amazing how easy it is to forget the little details! If someone asks me about some milestone with either of those boys, I draw a total blank! I keep a running google doc that helps me keep track of the funny things they say and do, though, so I’m glad I’ll have a record of that to smile at someday.
Oh man, he and Tate would be best friends!
P.S. I started journals for letters for my kids. I’ve wanted to for a while but have never “found” the time. Thanks for the inspiration!
During the hustle and bustle of life, it can be difficult to savor those tender sweet moments of joy, innocence and even quirkiness that our kids bring. These letters to your little ones serve as a constant reminder of the things that really matter. Thanks for sharing your sweet moments.