squared...

Sitting in the comfort of our living room, I'm staring at the beautiful face of our second baby boy. Watching him sleep so peacefully, his tiny fingers knitted together across his sweet little chest, his pouty lips in a sleepy frown, I am yet again amazed at just how quickly one can fall so deeply, undeniably in love.

With two boys just 15 months apart, it's not difficult to recall my maternity leave last year and compare my experiences thus far. The most obvious difference is the fact that our 15-month old is transitioning into a new role from only baby to big brother; surprisingly, it hasn't been as hellacious as I was expecting, but we are only 2 weeks in (not to be a pessimistic). He loves to help, throwing diapers away, bringing the baby his blanket or his pacifier, giving lots of hugs and even sharing toys.

I know full well, having had two older brothers myself who could not be any more opposite, that our two boys will have very different personalities, interests, futures, etc, but it is amazing to look at our newest little bundle and see so many similarities at the same time.

Our first night home from the hospital, I was adamant that I would put our oldest son to bed since I'd gone almost 3 days without seeing him for more than 15 minutes; I was going through a mild case of withdrawal and I wanted him to know that our love for him hadn't changed even with the arrival of this new baby. Although we had been duly warned by other parents having gone through the same experience, I was shocked to realize how big he suddenly was. My little baby boy was suddenly this robust toddler who, although he still loved to snuggle and give hugs and kisses, was quickly developing his own personality and identity. I'm sure part of it was hormones, but I couldn't hold back the wave of tears that suddenly crashed over me. Tears of joy, of fulfillment, of awe, of completeness.

Coming down the stairs and catching my husband's eye, I suddenly realized that our dreams had come true. Since first dating and talking about our hopes and dreams, we had always agreed that we wanted two kids. Those conversations, seemingly just behind the corner, had suddenly come to fruition. Our family was complete.

As each day passes by, I imagine what our life will be like days, months, years from now. Who will our boys grow up to be? What will they do? What will their hobbies be? What subjects will they like in school? Regardless of what their futures hold, my only prayer is that they are happy and healthy... that is all that matters.