It’s another installment of what will hopefully be many monthly letters written to our children. It’s a part of a memory-keeping attempt to capture these glimpses into the everyday and the not so ordinary moments that pass by so quickly as children grow. This is an ongoing series.

My tender boy –

You have so many moments of being incredibly tender, especially with your sister. You gently take her flower from her and try to tuck it behind her ear while she waits so patiently. You are so careful to make sure you think we’ve understood (and understood and understood) what she might be needing. I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it again, but, my sweet boy, you have more empathy already than I think I will probably ever have. Don’t let the colder and crueler parts of this world take that away from you. That trait is more necessary than almost any other. It is rare and precious and I can only hope that your dad and I nurture it in you well.

Along with this comes a whole lot of big feelings that sometimes end in shrieks and time outs and a really solid stab at taking deep breaths and really trying to talk about our feelings (both yours and mine, dear one). It really is amazing how well you do with this. It’s hard to keep things in perspective when frustration and anger start to take over – even for adults – but you manage to get yourself together pretty dang well most of the time.

I know I say it to you often, and I truly hope you hear it well, but I am so proud of you. You are an incredible boy and I love you.

So, so much,
Mama

My spunky little one –

You and your brother are so different. It’s not that he was a docile early toddler, or easy, per se, but you have such a fiery spark to you that is just plain unique. I sometimes feel a little bad because many marvel at you and your smiles, your kiss blowing, your general antics, and he wants to be noticed too. Eyes just are drawn to you, my little one.

Just in the last week or so, your babbling has started to have a much more pointed direction. You mean what you say, and heaven help anyone who doesn’t quite get it. You’ll make sure they do by the time you’re done with them. The molars you’ve been steadily, one after the other, working on for the last month or so are FINALLY all popped through, and you’re starting to show more of your normal personality and a bit less irritability. They’re real buggers!

We head out on our summer road trip soon – filled with sightseeing, hiking, car-napping and tent camping – a fair bit of unproven territory for you. We’ve all got our fingers optimistically crossed that you’re going to love it as much as the rest of us do. It’ll be an adventure no matter what!

I love you, sweet girl.

So, so much,
Mama

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Alison Bents is a Minnesota photographer specializing in Family and Senior portraits and Wedding Photography. She lives in Rosemount with her husband, two children and dog who have all put up with her lens pointing their way for a long, long time. Alison is now booking 2018 and 2019 weddings and portrait sessions on an ongoing basis. Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul and the greater metro area, she is also available for travel nationwide.