The twelfth breakfast – a birthday letter to my son

January 9, 2014

Happy Birthday James!

It’s been twelve years since I first took you in my arms and nursed you. It was your first breakfast (actually it was dinner since you didn’t arrive until 7:47 p.m.) You had just been plucked from my belly and you were not happy. The nurses bundled you like a bullet from head to toe and I was finally able to really look at you. Like water for coffee, I found myself at the point of boiling over with joy, fear, and nausea. What was I going to do with you? What did I know about a baby except what I read in books and from talking to other moms and dads. No one said that raising a child would be easy. But they all told me it was worth it. At times, my Little Man, it’s been hard. But if someone asked me right now whether having a child is worth the effort, I would respond without hesitation: Yes!

I treasure the moments we can snuggle, talk, read, play games, and laugh. I know how much you love to hear stories, especially when they’re about you. I have many bits of raw reflections scribbled on papers and notebooks, and stuffed in drawers waiting to be molded into something better. Some pieces unfold into lessons on my blog, while others blossom into picture books, or letters. It might seem weird, but you’ve been my muse and inspiration for the past 12 years.

From the wonder and curiosity you have about the world, to your stubbornness and mood swings, you’ve taught me to look through your eyes. January 9, 2002 was one of the best days of my life because you came into the world.

I hope that whatever you wish for on your birthday comes true. Now, go enjoy your twelfth breakfast and eat your pancakes.

Recipe for Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Pancakes

• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 C buttermilk
• 1/4 C oil
• 3 Tbsp. sugar
•  3/4 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 C sifted flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• Lots of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preparation: Mix wet ingredients. Sift flour into dry ingredients. Pour half the milk mixture into the flour mixture and mix until well blended (about 2 minutes). Add the remaining milk and mix until smooth (about 1 minute). Add a few handfuls of chocolate chips. Cook on a medium-high non stick griddle. Serve with heated maple syrup and a smile.
What do you think? Have you written a birthday letter to your son or daughter? 

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