An Open Letter to My Son, Jaylen, on His Second Birthday

Two years old my little papi! How we got here so fast, I have no idea. It’s like I’m scared to blink because time has been speeding by and I don’t want to miss one minute with you. Since the day you came into our lives, you hit the ground running and have been giving us a run for our money!

You’re talking a lot more this year. I love hearing your little baby voice say “Mommy” along with a few Spanish words that you’ve added to your vocabulary. You have proven how incredibly smart you are by juggling two languages at the same time.

Balloons by Bre & Co.

I don’t know if it’s because you look like me, but you definitely lean more toward your Latino side and I’m loving every minute of it. You’re obsessed with reggaeton and you have us replaying Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and you’re most favorite at the moment… Pepas.

You’ve learned the word “Dance” and although you won’t dance by yourself, you have no problem asking mommy and daddy to dance with you. Even though we have to pick you up every time and my arms are tired, the giggles and the smiles that come out of you won’t let me put you down.

Cake by Sweet Kate Bake

Not only are you my twin in the looks department, but you’ve also got my attitude, my stubbornness, my temper, and my fearlessness. I can already tell that you are going to be a force to be reckoned with and even though we may bump heads because we are so much alike, just know that I wouldn’t want you any other way.

I love that at just two years old, you know what you want and you’re not going to let anyone change your mind.

This year, you have attended your brother’s games in football, basketball, and baseball, and watching you jump in and want to join so badly has me excited to see the type of athlete you will be when it’s your turn. However, you both started swim lessons a couple of months ago and are doing amazing (even though you hate water in your face… Just like your brother did).

I love the way that you look at and look up to your big brother. There’s just something so heartwarming about it. I pray that your brother continues to be a positive influence on you and that you both continue to have that unbreakable bond that you share.

One thing you need to know is that your brother loves you so much and looks out for you like nothing I’ve ever seen, and even though you like to mess with him, he doesn’t let anyone mess with you. It reminds me of the way that I was with my little brother and still am. So I know you’ll always be in good hands with him.

You’ve also had your first road trip and your first flight to my mommy’s home state which means you’ve experienced Disneyland a couple of times already and we’re just getting started!

All of that to say, you have made our lives so much better, and every day a lot sweeter, and I cannot wait to experience more with you, take more trips with you, and be proud of you and the accomplishments that you’ll conquer in this new chapter.