To my Ner-Ner

oh my heavens, I can't even begin to express how many times a day I have to stop and say a prayer of gratitude in my heart for this little boy. If you happen to know me well, then you will probably remember that the first 6 weeks I had a really hard time connecting to Warner. It wasn't postpartum or anything, I just didn't feel that same bond that I felt with Evelyn right away. Fast-forward 4 months later and I could not dream of how incredibly crucial he is to my daily happiness. I mean, look at that face! It's my hourly soma! The other night I was kissing those cheeks so much, I pulled away and he had a little love bite mark. Yikes, a bit smothery, aren't I, Warner?

It's interesting that at such a young age, I can already see his personality radiating so strongly. Warner is so different from Evelyn in so many ways. He is patient, complacent, a cuddle-bug, peaceful, and just so tender. I know what you're thinking - he's a baby! Of course he's all of those things! Yes, yes, but Evelyn was never as passive as he is. The kid doesn't take a pacifier but heck, he doesn't need it! He hardly ever needs to be soothed.

It always boggles my mind that this baby boy of mine is going to grow up to be a full-blown man. A  hard-working, married, father of his own children, MAN! And I get to raise him to be a gentle one. The other day when I was thinking about how gentle Warner is and what a unique characteristic that is to find in a male, I quickly realized how many tender men there are on my life. Of course there's Jared, who is such a wonderful and giving father. Beyond that, every man just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter. My dad and father-in-law, my brothers and brothers-in-law. And I just thought "Men are awesome! Boys are awesome!" I had no idea I would love having a boy so much. And we're just getting started :) We love you, Ner-Ner! (i know, that is the worst nickname. it sounds like he's getting teased neener-neener! But it's what Ev calls him, soo... you do as the two year old does).