Dear Maxi,

Five years ago, you came into my life, and even though it was your birthday, or birth day, you gave me the greatest gift anyone has ever given me.  You opened my heart, and you taught me how to love in a way that I never even knew I was capable.  Every second of every day of the last five years, my love has grown for you, and you have made me a better person.

You gave me another gift, yesterday when I picked you up at the train station after a long weekend away with your father.  You ran into my arms yelling "Mama" punctuated by your giggle of pure joy and you snuggled right into me, and right at that moment, I knew that even with all the changes in our lives, that you are still you. And that is the greatest gift that you could give me on your birthday.

Maxi Bear, I will love you forever and always, never forget that.  Happy Birthday little man.

Love,

Mama