Dear Arturo, 

It feels like you just turned three yesterday... but here you are, days away from turning four. 

Four years old. 

You have been in my life for four years now. 

Four years of hugs and kisses, 
tears,
tantrums, 
hide and seeks, 
more hugs and kisses, 
and 

love. 

Sometimes I look at you and am just in awe of who you are and who you are becoming. 

Did I teach you that?
How can you be so kind? 
Mama definitely didn't teach you that.
Who taught you to be so understanding? 


The most profound moments are when Mama apologizes to you for yelling because she was grumpy and being unfair... and you just kiss me. 

It's okay, Mama. Mama happy now? Hold hands?





The more you grow, the more opinionated you have become too. 

No.
One more. 
Mine.
I need it. 
*insert scream and tears*






Trust me, my son, I love your independence and your opinionated spirit, but Mama loves you and that is why I set strict boundaries. To keep you safe. To make sure you are healthy. And most of all, to learn that the world will challenge and fight you sometimes. 





Parenting is hard. 
But you make it all worth it. 



No words can describe my love for you and how you have changed my life. 



I love you.



Happy birthday.