Dear Aidan,
Today is your first Valentine's Day! You are only 11 months old, so you don't understand the hoopla surrounding this day. This morning, while we were opening each other's Valentines day cards and gifts (thanks for my card, by the way!) you were content crumpling up the red envelopes strewn all over the dining room table.
Valentines Day is a special day in our household. Not because of the flowers, the candy and the gift-giving (ignore those commercials, Aidan, no one really wants the Journey Diamond Necklace or the stuffed animals-- but girls want flowers. Remember that.)
It is a special because Valentines Day 2000 is when I realized your daddy was someone I wanted to get to know better (months before, your daddy asked me out and I said "No" because I was wary about dating someone I worked with.) Remind me to show you the valentine card he gave to me. A week later, we went on our first date (February 23rd-- now you know where Daddy's hockey jersey number came from.) Eighteen months later, your Daddy asked me to marry him and less than three years later, you were born!
Someday too soon, you are going to get caught up in trading valentines with your schoolmates. You will share your heart with your first crush, your first love-- and you'll experience your first heartbreak. While I don't look forward to your feeling the sting and ache that love can sometimes bring, I can't wait for you to experience the kindness, friendship, passion and comfort of real love. I am fortunate to say that I have this with your Daddy not just on Valentines Day, but every day. That is my Valentines wish for you today and always.
Love, Mommy
P.S. When you're ready for wooing tips, ask your Daddy. He's good at it. ;)
