It seems like yesterday – and forever ago – that you were
born. I am constantly in awe of how quickly time is flying, you learn new
things and you are growing. At the same time, you have become such a part of
who I am – and how I see the world – that I can’t believe we were ever not
together. Three years doesn’t seem like enough time to accomplish the things we
have, visit the places we have traveled or move into “our new house” that’s
1,100 miles from where you were born.
But no matter what we have done, you have been right there with a smile
and rarely a complaint (except the time you had hand, foot and mouth disease
which is one memory I’d like to forget). Which is one of the many things I love
and admire about you. At three, when you should be complaining about the long
car ride or throwing a tantrum in the airplane seat, you sit there soaking it
all in. Always happy to be a part of it all. You have a deep trust and love for
your “dadda” and me that makes my heart melt. It doesn’t matter where we go or
what we do – when the three (or four when Little J is around) of us are
together, you let go – and take it all in. I absolutely love that about you.
You are funny. In a way I am not. You take what you see in
movies and shows and turn it into your own performance. From swatting a spider
away with a placemat (Madagascar) or smacking yourself in the head (Frozen),
you are always looking for something to perform – and someone to perform for.
Who knows – you may be the next John Ritter or Dick Van Dyke with the way you
do physical comedy.
You are sweet. Painstakingly sweet. Of all the things I hope
for your life, I hope you keep this. You pay attention to other people. Notice
when there is garbage on the ground and want to pick it up. You want to sing a
song for Ms. Meg when she’s sick. You say “thank you” when cars stop and let us
cross the street. And probably my favorite is when you yell out the window to
passing cars, taxi drivers or people on the sidewalk. All by your little self
you are making strangers smile. I beg you to never lose this. Never let the
world take this away. People deserve to smile, and sometimes it just takes a
sweet face and a kind word – and you will always hold that power. Use it
wisely.
You love your family. It doesn’t matter who they are – Oma,
Puppa, Grandpa, Grandma, uncle, aunts or sister (although, I have to say your
sister probably takes the cake right now) – you love them all. You run to wake
them up when they come to visit, ask them (incessantly) to come play in your
playroom and show them off proudly to your friends. Even as young as you are,
the time and distance doesn’t matter. You pick right back up – even if you
haven’t seen them in a year.
You love to sing. Taylor Swift is still a favorite of yours;
I love how you call her “Trouble” (it’s safe at this point to assume that all
girls are trouble ;)). Anything can be turned into a microphone – and you rock
out, dance moves and all.
As you turn 3 years old, I am so proud of the person you are
turning into. And am so grateful that I am on this crazy journey with your
awesome dad. The peace, joy and love that you bring to my life only grows
stronger every year. Even the sky couldn’t hold all the love I feel for you.
Happy third birthday, my sweet boy.
