I never want to take anything away from any of my four children. They are all truly deeply loved- each one of them as much as the first and their birthdays are memorable. I often write about the heart’s amazing ability to grow. Your heart may actually be the only thing your kids don’t have to share. Sure, they share your time, your energy, your money, but not your heart. Having said that, there is something that comes with the first baby that can only belong to the first. They were the life changer. And whether it be a first kiss, a first car or a first kid- you always hold a candle for the first. And with the first, came all those other firsts. The first time to hold your own, to dress, to feed, to bath. You are totally responsible and totally in love. Scared, excited, overwhelmed, exhausted and elated. Each year on his birthday I get a little melancholy and introspective. I reflect on my years as a mother. 
Gosh darn after sixteen years, you’d think I would have this thing down! But each year reminds me I have much more to learn. Their wants, needs and desires are still moving targets, and my mothering skills are being stretched and challenged every day. The years have flown and sometimes what I wouldn’t give to hold my little boy and hear his little voice just ONE more time. (I KNOW there is money in bottling little boys.) I have a birthday tradition I started years ago. I hang a sign and balloon on each child’s door the night before their birthday. They awake birthday morning to a “Happy Birthday” and occasionally a crepe paper filled room. 
This year it is going on 11 pm on a school night and I can’t wait up any longer for that little boy to go to bed. I can’t wade through the dirty clothes, school books, lacrosse gear and such to hang the crepe paper, so I am going to tape his sign and balloon and call it a night. Tomorrow I will wake up and remember that amazing day 16 years ago and give him a big hug. He may be 16, but he’ll always be my baby. Happy Birthday Corey- Love Mom www.grandparentgiftco.com- The First Child Frame
Our First Child
You will always be the ONE, who gave our hearts unmeasured love. Fulfilled a couple’s dreams, and gave us purpose from above. Each day will hold another first, our loves immersed in loving you. So awed, proud and delighted by each little thing you do. You will have untrained parents, yet our affections all your own. New toys with all the pieces, drawers filled with unstained clothes. We will quietly watch you breathe, and tiptoe as you sleep. We will mark each little milestone. Recording them for keeps. You will always have us by your side. At times holding on too tight. We will be slow in letting go, as we learn to parent right. You will always be the FIRST, the genesis, the start…….. You will always be the baby, who engraved love upon our HEARTS.
