Happy Birthday Cohen

Dear Cohen,

Today you are two. People like to tell me that you're an angel (you're not) and that you are adorable (you are). You get a lot of attention. Everywhere we go people have expectations for you, many of them based on the shape of your eye. I have them too. Mine are higher than most, because I see in you such wonderful potential. I want things for you that a lot of people say are impossible. I thought you'd walk before your second birthday, but you haven't yet, and it's okay. I want you to do things your way. I simply want the same things for you that I want for your siblings: to make this world a little kinder and a little more beautiful. And I want you to find joy in the journey, Cohen.

I am so proud to be your mama. If you become the world's first doctor with Down syndrome I will be so proud to be your mama. And if you want to work at the grocery store and bag like a champion I will be so proud to be your mama. Or if you're a fireman like your daddy, or a banker, or a janitor, or a senator, I will be so proud to be your mama. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I am going to do my best to give you the tools to move on and then I'll do my best to move out of your way so you can do life your way.

Today you like to toilet paper the bathroom and eat things that aren't entirely edible. Today you are two.

I love you,
Mama