I think there are few moments in life that are as significant as your child’s birthday. With each passing year, you are reminded of that incredible day they were born, and the fact that you have just a precious few years left with them under your care. The days may be long, but the years go too fast.

Our baby boy Eli turned two on October 9th. The love I have for him is indescribable. He is the happiest little boy, and loves to be loved. His smiles are infectious, and he steals the heart of everyone he passes.

When I found out we were pregnant with Eli, I was terrified. Terrified he wouldn’t be accepted by his two older brothers, that he would be left out, that I didn’t have enough love to give. Every single one of those fears flew out the window when I looked into his face for the first time. My heart swelled with love, and I realized the amount of love a mother has to give to her children is limitless.

Sam and Jack accepted him with open arms. As he got older and bigger, they loved doing stuff with him and involving him in their games. It is not “the twins and Eli,” but “the boys.” He looks up to them in everything they do, and still screams with excitement when the preschool doors open up and he can run to get his big brothers.

Eli is far and away the most physical child I have encountered. If he’s not moving, climbing, jumping, etc. he is frustrated. He loves to move, loves to create trouble, and especially loves to show off. The fact that he has not broken a single bone or lost a tooth is a miracle.

Two weeks ago he started the Terrific 2’s program at the YMCA. He goes twice a week for two hours and while he hasn’t yet let me leave without crying, I’m assured it doesn’t last longer than a few minutes. Eli’s vocabulary is also soaring. He talks nonstop, and imitates every word we say. He has a few 2-word sentences, and I just love his little voice.

Eli Adam Stibbe– Daddy and I love you so much. Thank you for dealing with your crazy brothers, your crazy parents, and our crazy life.