For my sweet boy as you turn three

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.