Four

July 29, 2004. I almost can't look at this picture. It stirs up so much (not to mention the fact that Leo was really sick here and we didn't know it...shortly after it was taken he ended up in the NICU for dehydration and jaundice). It was one of the best and worst days of my life. If Leo ever reads this I hope he will understand why everything was so hard in the beginning, know how much I love him and remember that I wouldn't change anything about him. He is perfect just as he is. I wish I had known the day he was born how much he would change my life for the better.


#1 ... Can you tell he was an only child here? He has his own cake, and a special "1st Birthday" bib and hat (and he is so clean!). And if you could see a wide shot of this picture there are almost 50 people fawning over him. It was a really special, emotional day.


#2 ... This is the year we had Leo's party in a bar. A cool bar, but still. We had just been forced to move out of our Brooklyn apartment; construction to nearby luxury condos caused cracks to our building's foundation. During a heatwave. With Erin's mom and niece visiting. Good times. A birthday I will not soon forget!


#3 ... He looks still sort of baby-like here, even though behind him and just out of view from this shot sat his two week old sister Ellie. Once she was born, Leo was officially not a baby. I see huge differences between age 3 and 4.


#4 ... Happy Birthday Leo! Excuse the dirty face but Leo is enjoying a Popsicle here. And I think it's an appropriate shot that exemplifies who Leo is. It's evidence of just how much Leo enjoys his life. I love you so much my beautiful boy. And I am so proud of you every day. Even when you don't listen to me. No one makes me laugh or smile the way you do. And nobody gives better hugs.

Love, Mommy