Two Months Old Today!

Rai, you are only two months old and already you have debunked a couple myths I had coming into parenthood.
First and foremost, one myth I held about parenthood was that once you were born your father and I would consciously and vigorously wrap our family in an invisible but impenetrable cloak. This cloak would act as a barrier between us and the world outside. We would create a 'perfect' world inside this cloak while blocking anything negative from coming in. In the process, we would become blind to anything that didn't affect our family directly.
The opposite side of the coin that is this myth is that I would often think that if we didn't have children, that I would be able to spend my time more wisely. Instead of being trapped in my family's protective bubble, I would volunteer, educate myself on important issues and have the time and freedom to go where help was needed. In other words, I thought that I would be a better citizen or even a better person if I didn't have children.
Rai, when you came into our lives, this two-sided myth immediately collapsed. Rather than seeing my world perspective close in, I saw the entire world open up to me in a way I hadn't seen it before. Now, I feel a connection with every person that I never felt before. I see mothers, especially, in a whole new light. And fathers as well. Every child is a miracle, every person is important. I have never felt more driven to help other people and make this world a better place than I do now.
It gives me endless joy to be able to feed you, clothe you and shelter you every day. Those are the basic things that make me a feel like a mother. When we passed poverty stricken, hungry mothers during our travels, I often thought, "you shouldn't have so many children if you can't feed them." With overpopulation destroying our Earth, it was population control that guided my thoughts.
Now, I have become more understanding of the hardships endured by parents around the world. I firmly believe that every mother in this world should be able to feed their children -- it is a fundamental and universal right. The thought of mothers who cannot feed and nourish their babies touches a place deep within my soul. I cry at the thought of it. It isn't right and it is unacceptable to say the least. Rai, you have opened my eyes to the world. Althougth I didn't and still may not proactively get out there to do something about poverty and hunger, at least now, if given the opportunity, I would act on it because of a genuine emotional connection with humanity that you have opened up in me.
The second myth that I held before your arrival was that I thought that parents love their children because their children are, in a sense, little versions of themselves. Children are the genetic combination of oneself and the person you love. Although this view is somewhat narcissistic, it seemed like a natural reason to love one's child so much.
Rai, as with the other myth, you successfully disproved this one during our first few days together. I don't think you look anything like me and your father doesn't think you look anything like him either. In fact, in your father's words you simply “look like a baby.” Even if you did resemble us, that wouldn't be the reason that we love you. Not even close. It's not even because of evolution's hand at making you so very cute either.
We love you because you are love in the purest form. You are pure in your thoughts, whatever they may be. I can see now that a baby's arrival is from a spiritual realm, one called by many names. You have come from a place that is love and in many ways, you offer one of so few real, physical connections that a person can have with the spiritual realm. Whatever spiritual place you believe in, your child comes from there, a beautiful place, and once with your child you get a glimpse of that pure love that is the goal of every spiritual quest. It's incredible, indescribable -- thank you Rai, for allowing me to feel this kind of love, a love that resides in all of us.

So, on your two month birthday, I thank you for helping me demystify those two myths. I thank you for connecting me to all of humanity and for bringing out in me so much love and compassion.

That's a lot to think about so, to celebrate your day, we went out into nature today to reflect on how you have changed our lives and perceptions of the world.

Happy two-month Birthday little guy! I look forward to how much you will teach me in the coming months and years. You are the greatest gift I have ever received.

Maciej's Note: Rai, your Mom was feeling so 'connected' with the rest of humanity on your two-month birthday that we snuck through someone's yard, down their private stairs and down to a private beach shared by several homes ignoring the (at least) ten 'No Trespassing' and 'Private Property' signs we passed along the way. Private property?! There's no such thing. We're all connected, we're all humans. What's yours is mine. One love! And all this wasn't as bad as it may sound. We had seen this secluded beach in Tiburon using Google Maps and were determined to get there. Along the way, a gardener had welcomed us into that yard and guided us down the staircase.