Dear Mommy...

Dear Mommy,

Thank you for loving me so much!

I know that I am almost 2 and that means exploring new things around me and growing up. That means I have to test my boundaries, otherwise how will I learn them?

Thank you for making me milk for the past 23 months. You have really helped to mold and shape my life and my immune system. And it is wonderful to know that I will miss out on many of those yucky stomach bugs and viruses that would hurt and make me cranky. I am kinda like Superman in that regard!

I am growing into an independent little guy and you have taught me to listen to my body and know what to do. I stop playing and "shake it off" when I get hurt. I drink my water when I am thirsty and no longer require a splash of juice. I have always loved my squishy squash and the other veggies you have allowed me to try. I even think I would like to eat a raw onion, whole. Thanks for taking my to pick strawberries and not freaking out when I taste sticks and rocks. After all, they might be good... I just want to find out.

I know that you are sad that I am growing up and not needing you to make me milk. I don't want you to be sad. I want you to know that I have really enjoyed our cuddles and snuggles and sharing that time together. There is no one else in the world that could pull it off quite like you could, Mommy. My body is telling me that you are doing such a great job giving me good fruits and veggies and grains that I no longer require your milk. I know you will miss that time together, Mommy, but there are a lot of other things we can do together. I love to run into you and knock you down! It means I love you very much and trust you not to move and let me run into the table (again.) I also enjoy feeding the kitty snacks and squishing her with hugs. Speaking of hugs, I like to rub your belly and hug my sister ... and while I am there, I will beep your belly button a few more times.

Mommy, you should be proud of how long you stuck it out and how healthy you made me. I am proud to have you as a mommy and your dedication to me shows me exactly how much you love being my Mommy! Please don't be sad, be proud of who you grew me up to be!

I love you this much!
Atlas