Oh, Vincent. Vincey. Vincenzo. V. My sweet, dear boy. Happy 10th birthday, my love. Ten. Double digits. I'm not sure how this can be, but motherhood has taught me that the time will march at a pace too fast, and that in each birthday of your child, you relive their arrival and long for their tiny little form in your arms. As my second son, you taught me one of the most poignant lessons of my life with your arrival, Vincent. The super power of the second born. You showed me that each child is unique, yet equally loved by a mother with her whole heart. My heart grew two times its size on the day I met you, sweet boy. You were a leader, bringer of joy, grower of hearts, from day one. And I've been in awe of you, and learning from you, ever since.
On the day you were born, February 21, 2011 as I've written for you before, it was President's Day, lightly snowing, a perfect winter day. As a carried you during pregnancy, I knew you were a boy, and that your name would be Vincent, quite early on. Your name unique and powerful, sweet and bold, punchy and eloquent. It was just you and I knew it long before I met you. Your birth story is exquisite, peaceful, and calm, like you. I labored with you slowly, as you took your time to determine when you were ready. Deliberate, determined, calm, and a bit stormy, to get what you needed on your time. Like you. Unique to only you in your birth story, and me in my labor stories, when you were ready to arrive in the world, I reached for you with my hands, and even before the doctors, I was the first to hold the tiny and perfect version of you. And, oh my were you, perfect. Your gentle, plump features, soft head of hair, perfectly plump lips. Beautiful. Right there in that moment, it happened, the super power of the second born. My heart grew two times its size at the first sight of you.
Your birth is a clear and profound memory for me, as I was extremely present, and our bond, instantaneous. Your sweet eyes wide open, arms extended, found my voice, and you found your calm. The light in the room, what you meant for my heart, the hope you brought me, and the miracle you showed me, I may never find words for. I only let you go for a quick weighing session. You ate like a pro and gave meaning to me to the saying, sleeping like a baby. You did, from day one, when your needs were met. In our first days together, and in all of our days and moments since, we are both best, when we find each other, in our days and routines. Together, in each other, we always find our calm.
As an infant and small child, you were in awe of Jack. You always had him to watch and keep you entertained. As you watched Jack, you learned the ways of your tiny world. I attribute your birth order to your love and boundless affection for your younger siblings now. It's as if you know they idolize you, and in return, they are the receivers of your gentleness, kindness and whole heart. As Jack was old enough to go to preschool when you were tiny, we had amazing snuggle time during my maternity leave and I remember each morning after we'd drop him at school so vividly. We'd come home and I'd sit with you, doing absolutely nothing except nursing you and watching you sleep in my arms. I can close my eyes and be there with you. I can still feel you that small and cuddly in my arms. Your favorite place to be.
Your pleasantness, easygoing personality, and huge smile are infectious. Each year with you, you've grown slow and steady, more brilliant, more handsome, more loyal. At age 10, you are also fiercely independent and empathetic, a true leader. You are an incredible big brother to Leo and Adeline, and share an intense friendship with Jack. In this pandemic year, the silver lining has been the gift of time with you. You run group work in school like a CEO, and I listen from afar smiling. You can dress a toddler, change a diaper, take a Zoom call, play outside, conquer a video game, and nail a math assignment, all in one morning at home. You enjoy time with your family and friends more than anything, and are content never leaving the neighborhood as it is your safe place. You are the best board game companion around, but the fiercest competition. You've learned to share your opinion, stand for what is right, developed a solid joke repertoire, and learned to love even stronger than I've ever thought possible at age 10. You do not hide your emotions, you wear your heart on your sleeve, and you need to feel loved and safe. When something doesn't feel right, you're the first to share it and show it. You are passionate, warm, competitive and generous, in all you do.
Your now ever growing frame, straightening smile, infectious laugh, brilliant mind, and desire for togetherness, will serve you well as time marches on. I can see glimmers of the young man you are becoming, bold, passionately social, fierce on the field, devastatingly handsome.
I'm a puddle of tears on the inside on your 10th birthday, as I long for your smallness to remain, but am beaming like the sun on the outside, as I watch you bloom into the young man you're becoming. I beg you to always remember your super power, Vincent. You were born to grow hearts. You were born to show the world that through all things, love conquers and heals. And, although we are best when we find each other in our days and routines, your wingspan will continue to grow. But, I will always be here to be your calm. My leader, bringer of joy, grower of hearts. I will be here loving you, in awe of you, learning from you, always. Happy 10th birthday, my dear, sweet, Vincent.
