On your third birthday.

I know, I can't believe it either! My little boy is 3. As you are fond of saying, you are "three birthdays" old.

It's been a huge year for you. You started preschool, and made a ton of friends. And they love you! You get hugs from all the girls (and some of your best boy buddies too) when it's time to leave. This is also the year you learned how to: talk, jump, climb, take turns, sit on the potty, and not be frightened of other children. This last one has been a very big deal, believe me. You've learned that Dora and Boots can help you through any tough situation, and they always know the way to the fun parties. Most importantly, I think, is that we've both learned that snuggles are always a good thing to have, and that nobody on this planet snuggles better than you and me. Nobody. Ever.

Life with you is never boring. Most of the time we feel like this:

We're not sure what we gonna get at any given moment, but the packaging is so darn cute we're happy to check it out. Sometimes we get lucky, and we get this:

Calm and easy, even keel. Life is good. And then sometimes we get really lucky, and this happens:

The moments like this are so much fun. Luckily, they're also plentiful. You have such a great laugh! And then, of course, sometimes we hit the jackpot:

Eskimo kisses. Such delicious goodness. Could eat you up. Which is a good thing, because, finally, we often get this:

It's really a good thing I find you adorable, because there are days/nights I might throw you out the window otherwise. I have a feeling that 3 is going to be a harder year than 2, but I can't wait to spend every day of it with you.

You make me very happy, Riley. Remember, no matter how old you are or how big you get, you'll always be my baby boy. Happy Birthday!

Love, Mommy

Comments

[kate]

Oh, I love these dooce-esque letters to your child on his/her birthday. I wish I'd done this from the beginning. They will cherish these when they get older. You're a good mommy.

Three. 3. Oh man. Yes, it's a good thing you find him adorable because three is the year that you understand why some animals eat their young.

maybe it's better with boys....

[mp]

THREE!!!!!!! Fun..or as I recall we went through the terrible two's after the third bday. Yeah...