Dear Sweet Trace,
I can hardly believe it. You are a whole hand. We have made such big deal about you turning five and now it is here. I cannot fathom that I have had the joy of being your mom for five whole years. Each year I know you I am more amazed by the tiny human you are. You are brave, yet you know your boundaries. You are smart. You are humble and kind, however you are still competitive and so physical. You are sweet, yet boisterous and fun loving. You, Trace, are a true gem to be around.
You have shown so much bravery this year. You have tried so many new things and shown us just how strong you are. This past year you went from being timid and scared in the water to being a great swimmer. I am amazed as I watch my little guy who used to scream through swim lessons jump off the wall and swim across the pool to his teacher. You had to overcome so much fear to be able to do that! This summer you were nervous about riding the chair life in Colorado, but you overcame that fear and were so excited to ride the lift and go down the mountain slide. You also became a great bike rider and ice skater. You keep pushing yourself and learning that when you overcome your fears you can do anything. You are so strong and brave for a little five year old guy!
I also cannot believe just how smart you are. You are growing leaps in bounds in what you know about letters and numbers. You also have a fantastic memory. You can write every letter without any issues, spell your full name, identify sight words and are starting to get ready to read. You are going to blow your kindergarten teacher away! You also love to teach Henry and try to keep up with bigger cousins. When you heard your cousins count in Spanish you came home and learned Spanish on your own. I love your desire to learn and hope that is something you never lose. You are so so smart and I cannot wait to see where you will go with all this knowledge!
You can be so humble and kind when you talk to people. You are quick to compliment others, love to introduce yourself and are so kind with friends and teachers at school. You greet everyone you see and want to be friends with everyone. It is so fun to watch you jump in with friends in cousins in times when you used to be so shy. I love to take you to our favorite restaurants and stores and watch you chat with your favorite employees. Everyone is always so impressed by your ability to talk to anyone. I often talk about how you got this wonderful trait from your Mama Rau. While you are so kind it is so funny (and almost mind blowing) to watch you become so competitive and physical on the soccer field. Your mommy was just stunned by your ability to throw elbows and pull shirts in order to win the ball! I think you are going to be quite the athlete as you get bigger and try more sports.
Trace, Thank you! Thank you for making me a mommy five years ago. You challenged me to learn how to train a baby to sleep and taught me that my capacity to love was much bigger than I ever knew. You truly have a huge heart and great spirit about you. I love you so so much and I am so proud of you. You have grown so much in five years and I cannot wait what the rest of your years will hold. Keep being you, little man, because you are pretty great!
Love you
Mom
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Thursday, August 15, 2019
You've waited for this day, Henry
Henderson Reid,
My sweet little guy. You waited and waited for the day you would turn three. You were so ready to be big and to be the star of the show. Your third birthday was spent in the car driving home from Colorado so we celebrated a week later. On that day you soaked up all the attention and proudly enjoyed being doted over for the day. Since that day you have told anyone who would listen, "I had a birthday and now I am three!" You know what, Henry? It was an absolute pleasure to take time out to celebrate you, because you are worth celebrating.
This year you really blossomed into your own little person. At 2.5 you potty trained yourself as you decided you were ready to take that next step as a big boy. You took swimming lessons with Trace and showed such bravery in the water. You got in on the action in any game or activity where size was not a restriction. You are brave and strong and confident but you know your limitations. Sometimes you show a little fear and are quick to ask for help when you need it. It has been so fun to see you show who you are whenever given the opportunity in new activities.
You are also one of the most kind little people I have ever known. I will never forget picking you up from school one day and listening to your teachers brag about you helping a little friend who was sad. You are always concerned when you see a friend hurt or sad. You love babies. You are quick to makes friends. You give the best hugs and kisses and give mommy and daddy so much love. Your kindness does not go unnoticed and I am sure it will be something that takes you far in life.
Henry, I sometimes worry about you as you face challenges with your food allergy and sensitive skin. When you had your anaphylactic reaction to peanuts this winter you were such an incredibly brave little guy. I tear up even today thinking about how scary it was and how strong you were. You are quick to advocate for yourself and express when something hurts and bothers you, but boy does it break my heart that you have to deal with this at all. I hope that someday you will be free from the frustrations and fear of food allergies and other health issues.
Henry, above all you are your own person and I appreciate that so much about you. Sometimes I get frustrated because I don't always know how to parent you with your confidence and strong will, however, I know that these are such great qualities. I cannot wait to see what you will do in life. You are so special and I am already so proud of who you are becoming.
Happy (Belated) Birthday my dear Henry! Thank you for letting me be your mama and teaching me more and more each and every day!
I love you.
Mom
My sweet little guy. You waited and waited for the day you would turn three. You were so ready to be big and to be the star of the show. Your third birthday was spent in the car driving home from Colorado so we celebrated a week later. On that day you soaked up all the attention and proudly enjoyed being doted over for the day. Since that day you have told anyone who would listen, "I had a birthday and now I am three!" You know what, Henry? It was an absolute pleasure to take time out to celebrate you, because you are worth celebrating.
This year you really blossomed into your own little person. At 2.5 you potty trained yourself as you decided you were ready to take that next step as a big boy. You took swimming lessons with Trace and showed such bravery in the water. You got in on the action in any game or activity where size was not a restriction. You are brave and strong and confident but you know your limitations. Sometimes you show a little fear and are quick to ask for help when you need it. It has been so fun to see you show who you are whenever given the opportunity in new activities.
You are also one of the most kind little people I have ever known. I will never forget picking you up from school one day and listening to your teachers brag about you helping a little friend who was sad. You are always concerned when you see a friend hurt or sad. You love babies. You are quick to makes friends. You give the best hugs and kisses and give mommy and daddy so much love. Your kindness does not go unnoticed and I am sure it will be something that takes you far in life.
Henry, I sometimes worry about you as you face challenges with your food allergy and sensitive skin. When you had your anaphylactic reaction to peanuts this winter you were such an incredibly brave little guy. I tear up even today thinking about how scary it was and how strong you were. You are quick to advocate for yourself and express when something hurts and bothers you, but boy does it break my heart that you have to deal with this at all. I hope that someday you will be free from the frustrations and fear of food allergies and other health issues.
Henry, above all you are your own person and I appreciate that so much about you. Sometimes I get frustrated because I don't always know how to parent you with your confidence and strong will, however, I know that these are such great qualities. I cannot wait to see what you will do in life. You are so special and I am already so proud of who you are becoming.
Happy (Belated) Birthday my dear Henry! Thank you for letting me be your mama and teaching me more and more each and every day!
I love you.
Mom
Thursday, January 31, 2019
You are Finally Four!
James Tracy
I am actually writing this letter to you on the day of your four year old check up which is just about a month after your fourth birthday; a birthday you anticipated so very much! This year with you was just so special. You were so excited to be getting bigger and anxious to show me all the big boy things you can do. We joke that I need to squish you down to keep you little but you always remind me you will hug me and love me forever and with your tender heart I am sure that is true!
This year you started preschool and you love it so much. You love going to school and adore your teacher, Mrs. Jaschek. You have learned so much and can spell the names of many of your classmates as well as write your own name! You are anxious to learn and are so proud to share everything you learn. Everyone who gets to work with you in your classroom has said to me what a sweet kid you are. You are polite, a good friend, eager to help, a rule follower and excited to participate in all aspects of school. It has truly been a gift to watch you in preschool this year and see you come into yourself and excel as a person and student.
I have also loved to watch you as a big brother to Henry. You are so good to him and help him when he needs help. You are his best audience for all his jokes and laugh at him all the time. You share well with him and want him to be a part of everything you are doing. He is so lucky to have you as a big brother and you are so lucky to have him. I hope you always know what a gift it is to have a built in best friend. You two have become even better friends than I expected and it just makes me so very happy.
You became more confident this year and it was so fun to watch. You overcame fears and began to assert yourself more in situations. When you first turned three you had a hard time standing up to other kids who weren't playing nicely but you grew in your confidence and do an awesome job standing up for yourself. You were very timid about swimming when we first started lessons but after summer swim lessons you were able to swim mostly independently and were excited to show us what you could do. Now you walk confidently into swim lessons each week. I have loved to watch you grow in confidence and began to assert yourself and also try new things.
You continue to love sports and all things active but also have started to love games and movies. You and Henry have so much fun playing soccer, baseball and running obstacle courses. You two could play sports with each other all day. You have also loved going to open play at gymnastics. A new love of yours is games. We are constantly playing Guess Who, Memory, Candyland, Trouble and the wii video game system. You have a blast trying to win but you are always a good sport and say, "Good game".
Trace, I truly couldn't cherish you more. I am lucky to be your mom. I am constantly told what a sweet kid you are and how smart you are. Everyone sees your great personality and your love for others. I hope your kind heart never ever changes because I know it will take you far in this world. You are a special kid, Trace, and I hope there's not a day of your life that you don't know that.
I love you more than you will ever know!
Mom
I am actually writing this letter to you on the day of your four year old check up which is just about a month after your fourth birthday; a birthday you anticipated so very much! This year with you was just so special. You were so excited to be getting bigger and anxious to show me all the big boy things you can do. We joke that I need to squish you down to keep you little but you always remind me you will hug me and love me forever and with your tender heart I am sure that is true!
This year you started preschool and you love it so much. You love going to school and adore your teacher, Mrs. Jaschek. You have learned so much and can spell the names of many of your classmates as well as write your own name! You are anxious to learn and are so proud to share everything you learn. Everyone who gets to work with you in your classroom has said to me what a sweet kid you are. You are polite, a good friend, eager to help, a rule follower and excited to participate in all aspects of school. It has truly been a gift to watch you in preschool this year and see you come into yourself and excel as a person and student.
I have also loved to watch you as a big brother to Henry. You are so good to him and help him when he needs help. You are his best audience for all his jokes and laugh at him all the time. You share well with him and want him to be a part of everything you are doing. He is so lucky to have you as a big brother and you are so lucky to have him. I hope you always know what a gift it is to have a built in best friend. You two have become even better friends than I expected and it just makes me so very happy.
You became more confident this year and it was so fun to watch. You overcame fears and began to assert yourself more in situations. When you first turned three you had a hard time standing up to other kids who weren't playing nicely but you grew in your confidence and do an awesome job standing up for yourself. You were very timid about swimming when we first started lessons but after summer swim lessons you were able to swim mostly independently and were excited to show us what you could do. Now you walk confidently into swim lessons each week. I have loved to watch you grow in confidence and began to assert yourself and also try new things.
You continue to love sports and all things active but also have started to love games and movies. You and Henry have so much fun playing soccer, baseball and running obstacle courses. You two could play sports with each other all day. You have also loved going to open play at gymnastics. A new love of yours is games. We are constantly playing Guess Who, Memory, Candyland, Trouble and the wii video game system. You have a blast trying to win but you are always a good sport and say, "Good game".
Trace, I truly couldn't cherish you more. I am lucky to be your mom. I am constantly told what a sweet kid you are and how smart you are. Everyone sees your great personality and your love for others. I hope your kind heart never ever changes because I know it will take you far in this world. You are a special kid, Trace, and I hope there's not a day of your life that you don't know that.
I love you more than you will ever know!
Mom
Henderson Reid, on your Second Birthday
Oh Henderson Reid,
Being your mom is such a treat! You have determination beyond your years, a smile and laugh that can melt any heart and the most fun loving little spirit. If there is anything I can be sure of it's that you will not let any opportunity pass you by! You are going to do great things in this world!
This year you started to love all things active. You can throw a ball with the best of them. You can ride a scooter fast up and down the street. You are a great climber, hiker and runner. Somehow amid all the activity you are also very cautious. You are constantly checking your surroundings to make sure it is safe to jump or climb. You are the most cautiously brave little guy I have ever seen. I love watching you test yourself and push yourself to try new things. This summer you also LOVED the water. You asked every morning to fill the water table up so you could squirt water all over the backyard. At the pool you would jump right in and let yourself go under the water before popping back up. You are just so brave and always wanting to try new things. I cannot wait to see what you choose to excel at when you get bigger because I know you will be great at whatever sport or activity you choose.
This year you also fell more into your role as a little brother. You love to follow Trace around and play with him. You both love to make each other laugh and have a blast running around and giggling together. You have just about the best laugh ever so Trace loves to see what he can do to make you giggle away! You boys play so well together and I hope you always know what a treasure it is to have a brother and best friend in Trace. He loves you so much! I am so glad you both have each other.
Although we always joke that you are our wild guy, you are always so tender hearted and loving. You give the best hugs and cuddle so well when you slow down enough to do so. You can be such a sweet daddy's boy and make him feel so special when he comes home from work at night. You are so smart and such a great talker. We have the best little conversations where you talk about what you see and share with me how you see the world. You are the littlest cousin and so loved by all your cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
Henry, you never cease to amaze me. I want you to know I feel very lucky you are more. You are a treasure and a light to all of my days. Thank you for being you! Here's to year number three. I cannot wait to see what it will hold for you.
All my love on your second birthday!
Mom
Being your mom is such a treat! You have determination beyond your years, a smile and laugh that can melt any heart and the most fun loving little spirit. If there is anything I can be sure of it's that you will not let any opportunity pass you by! You are going to do great things in this world!
This year you started to love all things active. You can throw a ball with the best of them. You can ride a scooter fast up and down the street. You are a great climber, hiker and runner. Somehow amid all the activity you are also very cautious. You are constantly checking your surroundings to make sure it is safe to jump or climb. You are the most cautiously brave little guy I have ever seen. I love watching you test yourself and push yourself to try new things. This summer you also LOVED the water. You asked every morning to fill the water table up so you could squirt water all over the backyard. At the pool you would jump right in and let yourself go under the water before popping back up. You are just so brave and always wanting to try new things. I cannot wait to see what you choose to excel at when you get bigger because I know you will be great at whatever sport or activity you choose.
This year you also fell more into your role as a little brother. You love to follow Trace around and play with him. You both love to make each other laugh and have a blast running around and giggling together. You have just about the best laugh ever so Trace loves to see what he can do to make you giggle away! You boys play so well together and I hope you always know what a treasure it is to have a brother and best friend in Trace. He loves you so much! I am so glad you both have each other.
Although we always joke that you are our wild guy, you are always so tender hearted and loving. You give the best hugs and cuddle so well when you slow down enough to do so. You can be such a sweet daddy's boy and make him feel so special when he comes home from work at night. You are so smart and such a great talker. We have the best little conversations where you talk about what you see and share with me how you see the world. You are the littlest cousin and so loved by all your cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
Henry, you never cease to amaze me. I want you to know I feel very lucky you are more. You are a treasure and a light to all of my days. Thank you for being you! Here's to year number three. I cannot wait to see what it will hold for you.
All my love on your second birthday!
Mom
Thursday, January 11, 2018
My Sweet Trace, On Your Third Birthday
Dear Trace,
I truthfully cannot believe you are three years old, but I know I will be saying this same sentiment each 365 days of your life. You changed our lives three years ago today and the time has flown since then. This year with you has been just as great as the last two years as we have watched your personality grow.
This year you started to love sports and the outdoors even more. You have loved hitting the baseball, watching and playing soccer, attending your first high school football game, and playing basketball. You love to go to your cousins' sports games and pretend you are going to play too. You also love to be outdoors. We spent so much time hiking, playing in the backyard and exploring our neighborhood. You found a true passion for throwing rocks and can do so for hours on end if provided the opportunity. I am excited to see where your sports passion will lead you in the future.
This year you really began to understand what it means to be a big brother. You love to show Henry the way in all things. You are patient with him but also eager to keep moving on when he holds you back since he is younger. You have started to show affection toward him and concern when he is upset. You look out for him and ask to take a treat to him when you receive one and he is not around. He looks up to you so much. He loves to laugh at you and do what you are doing. He loves to chase you and have you chase him. I hope you never lose this love you two have. It has been so special to watch your friendship form and I hope you desire to keep that relationship forever.
This year you have loved holidays, especially your birthday and Christmas. You have grown to love school. You love to explore the different places in St. Louis, especially places that have train tables. You have become "one of the cousins" and love to run and play with your buddies on both sides of the family. You have become even more articulate and funny with your expressive and creative language. You have grown your love for music, including singing and drumming.
James Tracy Mueth, my sweet three year old boy, I could not be more proud of you. You are funny, fun, handsome, empathetic, passionate, creative, smart and athletic. You brighten my day and show me how to love better. You are sometimes timid and teach me how to help you overcome challenges in life. You have brought me through some difficult times simply by laughing and loving and living. I could not love you any more and I could not be more excited to see how you continue to grow into such a great young man. I am lucky to be your mom.
Love you always,
Mom
I truthfully cannot believe you are three years old, but I know I will be saying this same sentiment each 365 days of your life. You changed our lives three years ago today and the time has flown since then. This year with you has been just as great as the last two years as we have watched your personality grow.
This year you started to love sports and the outdoors even more. You have loved hitting the baseball, watching and playing soccer, attending your first high school football game, and playing basketball. You love to go to your cousins' sports games and pretend you are going to play too. You also love to be outdoors. We spent so much time hiking, playing in the backyard and exploring our neighborhood. You found a true passion for throwing rocks and can do so for hours on end if provided the opportunity. I am excited to see where your sports passion will lead you in the future.
This year you really began to understand what it means to be a big brother. You love to show Henry the way in all things. You are patient with him but also eager to keep moving on when he holds you back since he is younger. You have started to show affection toward him and concern when he is upset. You look out for him and ask to take a treat to him when you receive one and he is not around. He looks up to you so much. He loves to laugh at you and do what you are doing. He loves to chase you and have you chase him. I hope you never lose this love you two have. It has been so special to watch your friendship form and I hope you desire to keep that relationship forever.
This year you have loved holidays, especially your birthday and Christmas. You have grown to love school. You love to explore the different places in St. Louis, especially places that have train tables. You have become "one of the cousins" and love to run and play with your buddies on both sides of the family. You have become even more articulate and funny with your expressive and creative language. You have grown your love for music, including singing and drumming.
James Tracy Mueth, my sweet three year old boy, I could not be more proud of you. You are funny, fun, handsome, empathetic, passionate, creative, smart and athletic. You brighten my day and show me how to love better. You are sometimes timid and teach me how to help you overcome challenges in life. You have brought me through some difficult times simply by laughing and loving and living. I could not love you any more and I could not be more excited to see how you continue to grow into such a great young man. I am lucky to be your mom.
Love you always,
Mom
Thursday, July 20, 2017
To My Precious Henry on Your First Birthday
To My Precious Henry on Your First Birthday,
My sweet boy I just adore you. You are truly a precious gift to me and to the rest of our family. While I cannot believe a year has passed by I also feel like you have been in our lives forever. It is so hard to picture our world without the little guy who has completed our family.
Henry, you came into our world at a most needed time and helped me through one of the most difficult times of my life. You have kept me busy when that's exactly what I needed but mostly you have kept me smiling. I smile because you are so sweet and you seem to just adore your mommy. I smile because you are so darn cute and I can't believe you are mine. I smile because you are silly and fun loving and learning more every single day. You, my sweet, Henry, have brought so many smiles to my face during a time I needed it most. I will be forever grateful.
Sometimes I feel a little guilty for how crazy your first year of life has been. I feel like you were cheated of a simple first year where we could just stare at you and watch your growth and progress. I must remind myself that you don't know all the crazy that was going on in our lives as you were simply busy growing and learning. You were busy watching your brother and trying to learn all he could do. You were busy taking in the world around you and simply enjoying the ride. Thank you, Henry, for being such an easy going guy who could take this crazy year in stride.
Henry, you are smart, fun-loving, adorable, affectionate and brave. You may just be one year old but I know you are going to do big things. I know you are watching your big brother but I can tell you are going to be your own person and for that I am thankful. I can't wait to see all you will become sweet Henderson Reid and I hope I can be your biggest cheerleader through it all!
I love you,
Your Mommy
My sweet boy I just adore you. You are truly a precious gift to me and to the rest of our family. While I cannot believe a year has passed by I also feel like you have been in our lives forever. It is so hard to picture our world without the little guy who has completed our family.
Henry, you came into our world at a most needed time and helped me through one of the most difficult times of my life. You have kept me busy when that's exactly what I needed but mostly you have kept me smiling. I smile because you are so sweet and you seem to just adore your mommy. I smile because you are so darn cute and I can't believe you are mine. I smile because you are silly and fun loving and learning more every single day. You, my sweet, Henry, have brought so many smiles to my face during a time I needed it most. I will be forever grateful.
Sometimes I feel a little guilty for how crazy your first year of life has been. I feel like you were cheated of a simple first year where we could just stare at you and watch your growth and progress. I must remind myself that you don't know all the crazy that was going on in our lives as you were simply busy growing and learning. You were busy watching your brother and trying to learn all he could do. You were busy taking in the world around you and simply enjoying the ride. Thank you, Henry, for being such an easy going guy who could take this crazy year in stride.
Henry, you are smart, fun-loving, adorable, affectionate and brave. You may just be one year old but I know you are going to do big things. I know you are watching your big brother but I can tell you are going to be your own person and for that I am thankful. I can't wait to see all you will become sweet Henderson Reid and I hope I can be your biggest cheerleader through it all!
I love you,
Your Mommy
Henry's Barnyard Bash
It is so hard to believe Henry has already been in our lives for over a year. He's been a true light to our family during a most difficult time. He is different from his brother in many ways but looks up to him like crazy. He laughs at him all the time and is so excited that Trace is eager to play with him too. These two will definitely be the best of buddies in the years ahead.
A few things about Henry as he turns one:
*He loves to play outside and is adventurous.
*He enjoys stroller rides and hikes in his backpack carrier.
*He goes with the flow but is also quite opinionated.
*He eats many foods but his favorites are meats, cheeses, watermelon and crackers.
*He has 7 teeth and many people comment on them.
*He loves to swim and is fearless in the water.
*He loves dogs and can hear and spot them from a mile away.
*He can say a lot of words for a one year old. Some of his most common words are mommy, please (me), snack, TT, dada, dog (da), bye bye, night night, baby, grammy and truck.
*He isn't into reading or tv yet because he loves to be on the move.
*He has gone through a stair climbing and biting stage already but grew out of both quickly!
*He loves to blow kisses, clap, wave and laugh.
*He is friendly and lovable.
We are so lucky we were blessed with Henry. He is simply a joy. We loved celebrated him at his first birthday barnyard bash and we think he had a blast too!
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