It takes two to make a baby! 46 chromosomes. 50% dad, 50% mom. You were bound to look a little like me—have the same nose or my piggy face. But I never would have thought I’d pass on so much of myself to you, that you’d become my little mini-me.
I look at you and I recognize my mischievous expression captured on film in our video memories or in the childhood photo albums I’ve flipped through so many times. I see my milky complexion and my straw-colored hair. Two big eyes—sometimes gray, sometimes green, sometimes blue—framed by straight lashes that point downward. That little crease in our eyelids that your dad loves to tease us about! And even our two little dimples above our chins. #hihi
Your emotional nature is just like mine! I’m sorry about that—it won’t always work in your favor. You’re sad, you cry. You’re angry, you cry. You have a problem you can’t solve, you cry again. You don’t do it on purpose—it just comes out on its own—and I understand you perfectly. It will certainly play tricks on you sometimes, but learn to appreciate it. It’s what gives you your empathy and sensitivity.
Your independence is also part of your heritage. You love your little bubble! You need your moments of solitude—probably more than the average person. Playing alone isn’t a problem; it’s your refuge where you can escape into your imagination. It’s hard for you to get close to people; you don’t easily let yourself show affection. But watch out, son! Our species is meant to live in groups, and one day you’ll realize that you need the people around you—so do what it takes to keep them from running away.
I look at you, and it both frightens and moves me, because I see myself in you; I see the struggles I’ve gone through that you’ll most likely face as well. I recognize your little demons, which you’ll have to learn to deal with. But I also see all your potential and all the surprises life has in store for you. As parents, we try to give you the very best, but we don’t choose the genetic makeup we pass on to you. Now, our job is to teach you how to face life with the strengths and weaknesses we’ve given you.