It’s been exactly three years since my first baby was born. The best three years of my life. I could have never imagined all the feelings that overcame me when Tristan entered our lives. It’s just not possible to imagine. And today, it’s been three years of unconditional love, whirlwind of emotions, ups and downs of parenting and most importantly, it’s been the best journey I’ve taken so far.

Tristan was born on a hot spring day

Just a few days before the summer officially started. I thought I was somehow ready for his arrival, but I actually wasn’t. Until the labor really starts, no one can describe, how you’ll feel. Everyone has to experience it all. I did read a couple of books about giving birth and taking care of a baby, but that was nothing compared to reality. Well, Tristan’s birth was actually quite easy, I believe. But the feeling of holding your newborn baby in your hands cannot be described with words. You get a tiny, the most perfect human being ever. It was a love at first sight.

The first year of living in a whole new world

I think every baby turns parents’ world upside down somehow. Tristan did as well. In a good way. I loved waking up next to him and taking care of him day by day. Yes, I was tired. But it was so worth it. Every day brought something new and it was so amazing to see him becoming aware of the world around him more and more each day. He was such a curious and demanding baby. He loved attention and closeness. He became the most important person in our family, of course. When he was 4 months old, we took him to Portugal and when he was 10 months old, we went to Bali. He was so happy when we traveled or went for a short getaway. And enjoyed everything about our daily life at home.

Baby Tristan on his first trip to Portugal.

His second year was so busy

Suddenly, my baby Tristan became a toddler. It didn’t happen overnight, but it surely was fast. We had so much fun with him, it was like living our lives from the beginning again. Learning how to eat, draw, look at books, play with different toys, watch the nature, enjoy the most simple things. We travelled to Canary Islands and Lombok in Indonesia in Tristan’s second year of life. Visited some places in Slovenia and nearby countries. He started kindergarten at around 22 months of age and his little brother Oliver was born at almost the same time. So many changes. We all adjusted and soon started having fun as a family of four. But the time, oh how fast did it go by. And it still does.

Toddler Tristan in Lanzarote (Canary islands).

Suddenly, my little boy is not so little anymore

In Tristan’s third year of life, we were a family of four. First few months were quite exhausting and the little brother wasn’t so much fun for our energetic toddler. Time did fly so fast and soon the little brother started moving around and playing more, so he became much more interesting. We traveled whenever we could. Tristan loves traveling. He loves staying at hotels, exploring new places (that have something fun to offer for kids) and at this age he already enjoys flying. Suddenly he’s so independent and such a big boy. A boy who likes to talk and ask questions all the time, is curious and wants to learn as much as possible, likes to play with his brother and any other kids. Yes, he has tantrums sometimes and is demanding. He is able to say no for a long time. But it’s all a part of growing up.

Relaxing on a beach in Vietnam.

My dear boy, I want you to run free and don’t care if anybody’s judging you

Because you’re unique and we have to try to nourish that. I hope we’ll succeed at least a bit by getting you ready for this world we live in. And showing you, how to find freedom among rules. I just love, how pure your soul is. How you tell us, what you really want and show your emotions. I will never forget how we showed you a big toy store and told you to choose something. You chose a small airplane and didn’t look around for anything more. And I love, how you always find the good things first and never mistakes first, like we grown-ups do so many times. We may not always do the right thing while nurturing you, but we do try. And we love you unconditionally.

Happy birthday Tristan and thank you for making the magic real

Sometimes parenting can be overwhelming, but it all pays back when we enjoy the simplest things in life together. Nothing is better than sharing life’s ups and downs with you. I’m so happy you entered our lives. For your third birthday I want you to keep that sparkle in your eyes and let it shine even stronger.

Love,

Your mom