To my 3 year old son

To my only son - who is now three. 

If I were to describe you in one word, it would be a sound actually and it would be a deep belly laugh. You are this wonderful ray of sunshine in my life...loud and goofy and soft hearted. I am not ashamed to say that my favorite thing is to lay down with you on the weekend, read a book, and then take a nap. You sometimes will hold my hand or touch my arm and say in the sweetest voice - I love you mama. How could that not have me melt?

You are your sisters' keeper and do their bidding with love and a smile. The other day, one of your best friends took something from Ainsley and you didn't think twice but to wallop him. Now, it's not something that I like but I love that you worry and care about them. Don't let either of them walk all over you - you may be gentle and love them with your everything but make sure you are standing for your needs too.

This is the part where I admit that you and your father but heads - oh do you two go round some days. You are too much alike and it makes me snicker to myself. I watch him try to rationalize with you and I watch you dig your heals in, just as he's been known to do and I just shake my head. You are your father's son - you are passionate for the ones you love, you are stubborn and steadfast on your causes, you are loyal to a fault and you do like to dress up. These are all the things that made me fall in love with your father and holds my heart. It is my job to ensure you know how to apologize - these things will take you far in this world if you let them. 

You are three years old. You were my teeniest baby and I have a feeling that you will surpass your sisters - as you've practically caught up to E already and Ains doesn't stand a chance. I want to hold you tight here in these days - with your buzz lightyear, your baby, and your excavators but I do think you do have these big things to do. You have these people to meet. But I hope you have these big laughs that continue to sweep you away.

My darling boy - I love you,

Mama