5 reasons I love my son

Being a parent is challenging, and some days I find it more difficult than others but I wouldn't swap it for anything in the world. I love my kids. I'm equally head over heels in love with both of you and feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to be a part of your upbringing every day. Although I love fathering both of you, I want to dedicate this post to our first born - our son. Clayton. You're not yet 2 years old but your personality is developing rapidly and being moulded into one of your own. I'm so proud watching you become an individual and transition from a baby to a child. Here are just 5 of the reasons why I love you... my son;

Patience -

I don't mean patience in general. How could I? You're a toddler and you have your frustrations with not being able to communicate properly or understanding things through lack of experience. No one would be patient if they were put back in that situation. I love the patience you show around your baby sister though. She dotes on you and loves you more than you could ever know. She craves your attention and fights for it in any way possible and the fact that you let her is adorable to me. When she's tugging at your hair and twisting your ears with a huge grin on your face and you sit and take it patiently so she can have her fill of enjoyment is amazing. I love that you're already showing the traits of a great big brother.

Laughter -

Not just your laughter, but your smile. The whole package is magical. You laugh is contagious and full of both mischief and innocence at the same time. It's wild, free and heart warming.

Persistence -

You don't like to be told no, you will keep trying and you don't forget easily. This can be frustrating to deal with at the time from a parenting perspective but it's admirable to see such determination in you at a young age. I hope this is a trait that never goes away.

Affectionate -

I'm a naturally affectionate person and will probably bother you with that throughout your childhood, but I love the fact that you've embraced it so far. You love to cuddle, and regularly pull me and your Mummy in at the same time for a 'big' (which is your word for a group cuddle). You're also affectionate and gentle with your sister and that's heart meltingly cute to see. Just a few days ago I watched you dash from room to room causing chaos like a tornado and taking no noting of anyone or anything in your path. No notice except for your sister who was watching your every move lay on her tummy. Every time you passed her, you paused to kiss her forehead and then ran off squealing and bouncing off the walls again.

Split Personality -

Your split personality is one that isn't evident for everyone to see all of the time and is one that I don't want to share the details of too much. But I love more than anything that when it's just me and you on our own you are a completely different child!

Your personality is only just taking shape and the journey that you are on is just underway, yet I could have listed dozens of things. I'm loving watching you grow, will continue to do so and am excited to fall more and more in love with you every day.