My favorite child

To my favorite child, Camille: I love you the most. You introduced me to the world of motherhood and made us a family. I love how genuinely kind and sweet you are. I love how you consider any alone time with me now a special date, even if we just go to the grocery store. I love how nurturing and compassionate you are to animals and people, alike. I love watching you dance and the pride you take in your own special choreography. I love how you hug like you’re never going to let go. I love how thoughtful you are, always.. I love hearing from our fellow parishioners and neighbors how wonderful you are, even though I already know. I love talking to you on the phone, when I'm at work. I love reading the little notes you leave around the house and hearing you read to your brother. You are my absolute favorite.

To my favorite child, Jon Paul: I love you the most. You will always be my baby, even though you insist that you are a big boy. I love your husky voice and the way your repeat everything you hear even though half the time, you, nor I, have no idea what you’re saying. I love watching you try to keep up with your sister and her friends. I love listening to you sing and make up songs on the piano. I love watching you play and how you can make a game of pretty much anything. I love how much you make people wonder. I love the way you say my name. I love your shiny black hair and way you look in a crisp polo. I love the way you hold my face with two hands when you give me a kiss. I love hearing you crunch on Cheerios in the morning and how everything you ask for is followed by "please". You round out our family, completely. You are my absolute favorite.