Dear Bently,

I hate it when children whine. Seriously it drives me crazy. So when you reached the age and started to beg for things I knew something had to change. So a couple months ago we taught you to say this sentence when you want your milk, "Can I have some milk please." At first we would have to feed the sentence to you word by word. Then you only needed to be prompted. Now you use this sentence like a champ. The funny thing is, the sentence is now used for more then just milk. You will randomly interject anything you want in there. The other day your Dad walked out of the room for a minute. Suddenly you looked at me and said, "Can I have some Dada please!" It was hilarious. I laughed and laughed at you! You are just the cutest kid in the entire world! I love watching your vocabulary expand! :) It's been the highlight of my past several months is just listening to you gain your voice! :) Thanks for keeping me smiling!

Mom

Dear Bently,

I've been having a rough couple days. My whole entire life all I've ever wanted to be was a stay at home mom. But certain situations outside of my control have so far prevented me from doing that. With your 2nd birthday coming up in a few short weeks I can't help but feel sad at all the time I didn't get to spend with you because I had to work. I miss you so much when I'm not with you. I miss getting to see your first and hear all the funny things you say. Let me tell you, being a working Mom is not easy and I admire all the woman that can do it. The only thing that keeps me going is knowing it's not going to last forever. I will make what ever sacrifices I need to to get home with my little boy. Until then I'm going to soak up every moment I can with you.

Today you fell asleep, as you do a lot, in front of your door. I pushed on the door till you woke up enough to move. You whined and reach up for me. I picked you up and started walking towards your bed when I realized I needed time with you. Even if you were asleep I needed to feel close to you. So I took your snugly sleepy self to my bed and that's where we spent the next hour. You slept the whole time but I spent a lot of it just looking at you. Marveling at how much you've grown and how big you seem to me. Wishing with all my might that I could keep you little. That I could make this moment drag on for the next year or so. Being a working mom has taught me to treasure the moments. The little things in life.

Bently I hope someday you'll read these and realize how much your Mom truly loves you. How much she loves watching you grow and learn. How much she wants the best for you always! I truly love you with all my heart and soul Bently.

Love,
Mom