That’s how Bambino’s first (and well-loved) teacher always jokingly answers the rhetorical “How did he get get so big?” question. In the last two years, my kid has grown in so many ways. On day one he was such a tiny little bug, going in and out of the TICU.

I didn’t know him yet, but he was ours.

His first year was a blur. We figured out work-life balance (sort of). We started speaking increasingly proficient toddler. We marveled at those first milestones.

The early smiles.

Father-son bonding.

Swim lessons.

The very first family vacation.

The occasional questionable choice in bike ride.

All of a sudden, Bambino was a year old.

In his second year, possibly due to increased sleep and wine consumption, life became less frenetic. We’re getting to know him, and it’s more fun/exhausting/rewarding than almost anything else I’ve ever done. I teach him things– like how to sing, count, or make a loaf of banana bread. And, he teaches me valuable lessons– including patience, humility, and how fun finger painting really is.

We’ve visited Italy, North Carolina, NYC, and explored our beautiful state. I’ve read Goodnight, Gorilla more times than seems humanly possible. I’ve figured out that our hardly-perfect family makes me perfectly happy. I am so thankful for my silly, adventurous, and curious little boy.

Thank you, Bambino, and happy birthday.