Happy Birthday to the Reason IttyBiz Exists
Dearest baby Jack,
On Labour Day, 2000, I was going to school for something I hated and gearing up to divorce your brother’s Daddy.
On Labour Day, 2001, I was living in a homeless shelter and pregnant with a baby boy you’ll never get to meet, although you can trust me that he was pretty awesome while he was here.
On Labour Day, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, I was getting ready to go back to work after the long weekend. It was a different job each year — all temp — and I hated each with varying degrees of intensity.
But on Labour Day, 2006, you came, and everything was different.
There’s a Bryan Adams song that you will one day hear on oldies radio and cringe, and it says, “Everything I do, I do it for you.” I personally think our pal Bryan is a bit of a poser, but I know how he feels on this one.
Everybody says that when they have a child, it changed their lives forever. This is obviously true, but it’s kind of a retarded thing to say if you ask me. I mean, do you think all these parents were pacing the halls at two in the morning before they had kids? Like, for fun? Because if we’re honest, you and other people in your demographic are a bit of a pain in the ass, frankly. So yeah, kids change lives.
But in your case, you unknowingly changed a lot more lives than just mine.
Between the bedrest and the panic attacks and the dental surgery without anaesthetic and the abject poverty, being pregnant with you was not what it said on the tin. I kind of wanted my money back, really. But then you decided to join us in the world of the living and breathing and cussing earlier than strictly necessary, and the shit kind of hit the fan. My water broke really, really early and they strapped me to a bed and wouldn’t let you come out.
Since you are my son, after 10 days you said, “Fuck this shit!” and came out anyway. Your Daddy took six months off work because neither you nor I were particularly healthy, but things were not looking good in the Dunford family bank book.
![](http://ittybiz.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/jack-and-tim.jpg "\\"Son, I hope you grow up to be just like Tim Brownson.\\"")
After we hung out with you for half a year, though, we didn’t really want to stop, so we created IttyBiz. It’s been a battle at times. Trying to work with you nursing and screaming and demanding fruit cups and insisting that feeding a magnetic letter C to the cat is your basic human right ain’t exactly a walk in the park. But we did pretty well. Your Daddy was able to quit his job in time for your last birthday, and now he gets to hang out with us all day. That made it all worth it, and we were able to take on more clients and do more stuff.
Because of you, we’ve been able to help a lot of people with their own IttyBiz’s. We’ve been able to help people quit their own jobs to hang out with their own kids. One lady had a husband who wasn’t being very nice to her at all, and she had FOUR of you. She’s getting ready to move her babies to a safer place now, and we got to help.
Another lady was on bedrest like me, only she lived in America and didn’t get to take time off like I did, and we helped her start freelancing from her bed.
I got an email from a man the other day, and he said that he’d made enough money with his new little side business to take his kids to Disney World for the first time.
A whole bunch of kids like you are able to see a lot more of their own Mummies and Daddies because you showed up and made it happen, and I think, if they ever knew, they’d say thank you and share their fruit cups with you.
Dearest baby boy, this post goes live at 11:04 PM, exactly two years after you came into the world. Your Daddy and I don’t know what we ever did without you.
Because of you, the world is a little brighter, a little funnier, a little sweeter. Because of you, I have the perfect family. Because of you, I have the greatest job in the world.
I hope that being two is better than you could have ever hoped. I will move mountains to make sure it is full of raspberries and rubber ducks and books and choo-choo trains and red buses and bubbles and the number TEN screamed over and over and over.
I hope that all you ever know is love.
Mama.
On behalf of the world, thank you Itty Bittiest Dunford for giving Naomi reason to share herself with all of us.
We really appreciate it.
Happy birthday Jack!
If I had kids, I’d be blogging for them too. Instead I’m just selfish and childless… ;)
Happy 2nd blogday!
Happy birthday little dude. Give your mama a really disgusting peanut butter and banana kiss from me. xoxo
I didn’t know all that - you’re even cooler than I already thought! And happy b-day to the little one! I’m thinking of showing this column to a friend who thinks he can’t change his job if he wants to take good care of his little girl. :)
Happy Birthday, Jack! You have an amazing Mama- thank you so much for sharing her with all of us!
Naomi- you rock, you sentimental marketing bitch! Enjoy that little one while he’s still little. That part about the terrible twos- it’s a lie- wait until he’s a teenager! HA!
Happy Birthday Jack!!!
Thank you Naomi for sharing that with us.
Awwwwwww! Happy Birthday Jack!
Happy Birthday Jack!!!
This is one of the most open posts I’ve read on a blog and I appreciate you doing it. When Jack is older he’ll read this and be proud. Not only proud of the mother he has, but proud that you made him famous before Kindergarten :)
I’ve just recently added your blog to my RSS reader and I’ve really been enjoying your writing style. This post is sweet and unexpected!
Congratulations.
What a heartwarming letter!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Jack!!!
I almost started to cry after reading this one.
(Sitting here with my own little one and wonder how you made it though. Feeling a bit frustrated that I don’t seem to get time to accomplish anything …)
I am drinking my own tears in my coffee now Naomi. It’s worth it though. Happy birthday little IttyBiz Inspiration guy.
In my post about you yesterday I called you a giver and it is true, so true, you have helped SO many to have better lives and more freedom. It was really nice to wake up this morning and learn the why behind the story.
You are really an inspiration of hope to a lot of women, actually-all people, who think there is no way out of the madness.
*sighs happily*
I’m a sucker for stories with a happy ending / new beginning.
and that’s dust in my eyes, I swear. the pollen is fierce here.
Happy Birthday to your little one. He’s a very lucky little guy.
And don’t worry about him becoming a teenager. :-) Teens are pretty neat in their own way. I really miss mine since she moved out to go to college.
Wow….this post rocks for so many reasons right now.
First off….”Happy Birthday Jack!”
Secondly, I have been sitting here for the past couple of days absolutely terrified that my business will not take off, that due to the shitty job market I won’t even be able to get another office job, and my 4 month old, my husband, and I will be taking up residence in our cars due to the lack of funds. But wow…you are a total inspiration! Thank you so much for posting this. Its amazing exactly what these little shit factories drive us to do, and how inspiring they can be.
Wow - what a different post from you Naomi! Absolutely loved it!
Happy birthday little one!
@Mary - yeah, teens are actually pretty cool - I have 2 and I’m dreading the day they leave for college.
Brought tears to my eyes. I love my boys, too!! Happy Birthday!!!
I don;t comment here very often, but I can’t pass up the opportunity to say happy birthday to the ittiest Ittybizzer -
Happy Birthday, Jack!
Oh…I have no words that can possible be as heartfelt as what you just posted. I am near tears…
Happy Birthday, Jack! You’ve got a great family!
I’m blinking away tears as I write this. Happy birthday, Jack!
Happy Birthday Jack!!
(tell mommy to check her email…in cased I got spammed :) )
Happy birthday, Jack! What a lucky boy you are to have such a wonderful mommy. I can’t wait until that day that you’re able to look back at your life and see how your parents were with you every step of the way and how they helped so many others while they were at it…just because of you!
Hey that’s a pretty cute kid.
Got three of them myself, and while I like to think I’ve suffered over the past few years since I quit my cushy job and went all entrepreneurial, it’s stuff like you just wrote that helps me remember how good I’ve got it.
I always tell friends that don’t have kids (or are about to have them) that as long as you are willing to completely give up your life to these little parasites, they will pay you back with joy beyond measure.
Too personal, I’ll email it. But thanks for your transparency. Oh, and happy birthday to your family because everybody had a birth that day not just your son.
Dear Jack,
Your Mama really knows how to make a chick cry. Tears on the report I was working on. I know so much of her life story too well from living it myself, and Jack, I can tell you, you and your brother will only grow in importance in such a bountiful lady’s heart. You’re as lucky to have her as she is to have you.
Happy birthday, cutie-pie. Happy day to all the little people who keep waking us up in the mornings. Thank goodness for you all.
Hugs,
Kelly
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR JACK…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!
Naomi,
Your post was amazing! I have been subscribed to your blog for a while now and read it every time with a cup of coffee. I too am drinking my tears…
You are an inspiration, and I thank you so kindly for sharing your most heartfelt moments with me, and the world!
Your son is the luckiest little guy.
A quiet admirer,
Vanessa Lindsay
Happy Birthday Jack! I hope you have a wonderful day and a spectacular year being TWO!
Your mama is helping me too! She is quite talented. I want to stay home too. One hundred dollars a week for gasoline is too much!
Naomi, you are awesome! Thank you for sharing.
Wow.
He seems to be laughing a lot. Had you just said to him “When you grow up I want you to be a life coach?”
BTW, couldn’t you find any pictures where we can actually see the little fellas face a bit better?
Happy Birthday Jack.
And Naomi, you are so freakin’ awesome.
@Bob Hoffman My thoughts exactly. “Wow.”
Damn’t just got over a cold and now I’m crying and have a snotty nose-again! My 4 year old son is sitting behind me in my office chair wearing his “Thomas the Train” underpants and asking me when he can get online to play on “nick jr playtime”. Not getting a lot done but my children are the reason why I do what I do. Thank you Jack for having a Mommy who inspires a lot of people and helps us in more ways than she realizes. Happy Birthday!
Thanks so much, everybody!! On Tim’s request, I added a couple more pictures.
@ Tim — The second one is just for you.
I love the 2nd picture! Priceless!
OMG!! I FREAKIN’ LOVE THE SECOND PICTURE!!!!
hmmm…can I squish him?
This is what I call “writing naked” and the best hit for my heart this morning… I have struggled so much being a mom - it’s not been an easy role for me and so it’s your combo of truth and love that makes me feel blessed this morning… thanks for your heart.
That was beautiful. I’ve totally teared up from reading that. May he grow up healthy and move mountains for others.
Naomi you are the best. Seriously. Jack is a lucky boy.
And happy birthday kiddo!!!
Just like I say to the people I love, we celebrate because we’re happy you were born, little one. It’s always good to remember.
@Julie: Mine just left the nest a few weeks ago. It is a big adjustment. I miss her terribly. But it’s also remarkable to watch her spread her wings and fly on her own. Most of all, I’m grateful for the close relationship we share. I look forward to it maturing as we both grow.
Naomi,
Big hugs.
Barry
This was powerful Naomi. It helps me to realize that I need to put my reasons for doing what I have to do in front of me - regardless of the fear, anxiety, etc.
Thank you,
Dale
Happy Birthday to a handsome fellow, and congrats to Mommy & Daddy - you’ve worked hard, and it shows in those happy pictures.
(Mommy & Daddy - keep up the good work.)
-Brett
Hey! You forgot about the chicken pot pie!
Auntie Carrot Says HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!!!
Lots of love
I’m toasting him and you now.
I don’t think I’ve ever met 3 people I like more than you guys.
You make my world better. And anyone else’s that know you guys
What a lovely, lovely post. Thanks so much for helping us know you better.
Oh Lord, you made me cry and it isn’t even 12pm yet.
What a gorgeously clear and heartfelt love letter to your baby.
Happy Birthday little Jack, you got yourself a great Momma and Daddy.
Rock on!
-Pam
God, Naomi, this is so so good.
…nope. Still don’t feel all maternal. Still don’t want kids. :)
But Naomi, this was a *beautiful* letter. You rock. Jack (happy birthday, little dude!) totally rocks for being your *why.* I feel grateful to him, and to you for succeeding the way you have in helping your family and so many others gain the freedom they dream of. Thanks for teaching us that if we want it, all we have to do is find the right reason.
Rock on, Dunfords!!
Wow, Naomi. This may just be the most heartfelt and touching blog post I read this year. Thank you for sharing this.
Happy birthday, Jack!
*sniffle* no fair making those of us (still) in CUBICLES try to suck back the tears.
so sweet, dispite the tear sucking, thanks for writing it and thanks for Ittybiz and thanks for you!!
one day i will take your advice and make my billions (yes with a b, why not?)!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK!
As above - wow, Happy Birthday Jack, and wow. Much respect.
That second photo is amazing - if you haven’t already, you should have it enlarged, framed and on a wall somewhere!
There are gazillions of Make Money @ Home! marketers who hawk their products using “spend more time with your kids” as a main benefit.
But there is a HUGE difference between using that line and living it.
Wendi is totally right, Naomi — you are a giver. You want your business to make money (well, duh!) but you sincerely want other parents to have what you and your family enjoy. That is beyond amazing. And dammit, now I’m sniffling again.
Happy birthday to the cutest little entrepreneurling EVER.
Thanks for the new pictures! #2 is so great. He looks highly squeezable.
Fuck me, Naomi. Way to make me cry, for chrissakes. Asshole.
Happy birthday, Jack. Your mamma rocks. You’re pretty cute too.
This pretty much kicks ass.
Now you’ve gone and made me cry, too. I want to go hug my baby, but she’s already in bed….
Happy Birthday, Jack! You’re a lucky, lucky boy…. (And a darned cute one, too!)
I wish I’d read this after dinner, because now I’m all inspired and stuff, and I want to write, not eat….
Now why’d you have to go and make me cry???
Happy Birthday Jack! You have a great mom who makes people smile, laugh, and cry knowingly all at the same time. I hope some of her natural gifts and talent rub off on you. :-)
Wow…. that’s all that comes to mind, girl. I am so glad things turned around for you for the better. Kids put things in perspective don’t they?
Why shouldn’t we all be allowed to feed the cat magnetic letter C if the mood strikes us? Happy Birthday little guy, thanks for sharing your mommy with us all.
All vaklempt over here too. Thanks for sharing Jack’s birthday with us, Naomi!
Happy Birthday Baby Jack!
You really are a fucking great writer Naomi.
Happy Birthday Jack!
And thank you for sharing such a personal post, Naomi (even if you did make me cry, dang you!) Huge congratulations to you for getting to where you are now through what must have been sheer bloody determination. You rock, and you’re an inspiration to a heck of a lot of IttyBiz-ers.
Happy Birthday, Jack- my brother Virgo. The long line of love continues, and it’s a miraculous process.
I’m completely convinced that the deepest satisfaction comes from doing something for someone else. And continuing the flow of love through life… well, I can’t think of a more satisfying reason for it all.
love, and love, and love
Mark
All I can say is that this is the sweetest post! I love the pictures, and your openness about your son and your life circumstances is just amazing.
Thank you!
AWWWWWWWWWWWW What a sweet post, Naomi. That second photo of Jack is awesome, he looks like a rock star. Happy Birthday Jack!!!
That was so beautiful. Choked me up.
Happy birthday, Ittybiz Junior.
What a sweet sweet boy!
Just started reading your post a few days ago, this is the first one I picked up in my reader.
Have to say though, this is what it’s all about. I’ve done the corp sell your soul thing, and with the arrival of our own bundle of joy…(4 years old upon arrival from Thailand) our world changed and my definition of success changed overnight.
Seems like yours has too.
Congratulations on the dream and happy birthday to Jack.
Naomi,
I don’t know how I missed this post a few days ago, but here:
Happy (berated) birthday to Jack!!!
He is adorable. I remember he started crying when I was talking with you on the phone, and I feel bad ;) So here is my extra blessings to him.
Akemi
He’s a doll.
I’ll give you some advise - because old farts like me love to tell you youngin’s stuff you already know.
Enjoy the hell out of him every second you can, because you’ll soon wake up some morning, in about a week, and he’ll be going off to college.
And you’ll be saying, “What the hell, he was just two a week ago. There’s no way he’s all grown up this fast.” And like many of the readers of this post you’ll cry.
I miss reading at night to mine most. Read to him a lot and enjoy the ride.
Awwwwww. Blinking back the tears as I write this. Happy belated birthday little Jack.
Aww… I’m late to the party, but I brought balloons… Happy birthday, Jack, and keep on enjoying parenthood, Naomi.
That`s got to be the best birthday post I`ve ever read. :D Good job and a very belated Happy Birthday to your little guy.
Simply a fantastic post…..
[...] Happy Birthday to the reason IttyBiz exists - by Naomi at IttyBiz. I’ve followed Naomi’s blog off and on since she started it. She has got some writing talent! Not everyone can write such humorous, harsh, and informative blog posts. Can’t wait until she figures out how to weave in a romance novel into her writing style. I even tried to hire her a couple of times but my emails got lost in her waterfall of emails. This post will make you laugh and cry at the same time! If you like this article, please Share and Enjoy: [...]
[...] talks about how criticism hurts his feelings and gets him down. Naomi posts sweet things about her son. Havi talks about feeling lonely. Steve admits stupid things he did when he was a [...]
My hat’s off to you. You help a lot of us in ways you probably don’t even realize. I’m so glad you started IttyBiz. Thank you!
Gawd, am I late to this party or what? Happy very late birthday Jack! I hope it was awesome!!