Whoops, my sweet baby boy. Your third birthday flew by without me being able to stop to write a letter. I’m considering that a testament to how busy being two and three years old has been for us. This time has been marked most saliently by your ever growing size and verbal skills. When you meet new people, you are not shy. You will tell them any story that is on your mind. They marvel at your conversational skills and assume you are at least two years older than you are. Your height confirms that for them and they are simply shocked when they get the answer to their inevitable question, “How old are you?” You are so social that I struggled with having “the stranger talk” with you. I didn't want to ruin your wonderful innocence as you approach others, but I also have a desperate need to keep you safe. Now, you’ll either ask if people are strangers or you will wait for us to greet them before you happily begin to talk to them. Another impressive skill has been your ability to pick up songs you hear. I have countless videos of you singing. Papa Bud recently commented that he believes you know the words to every song currently on the radio. I believe him.
Before you turned three, we chose a new daycare for you that is on campus where I work. Despite high hopes, after six weeks, the stomach flu, and two bite injuries, we pulled you out. You've happily stayed home or with your grandparents ever since. Now that you've reached your preschool year, we have you signed up at a school nearby. We are hoping for a much more positive experience.
I’ll be honest with you; three was a tough year. It was the year you decided that it was unacceptable for us to tell you no. We were either met with tears or anger. At times, throwing yourself dramatically to the floor. It has been difficult for you to get along with your brother because you insist that all toys are yours. On the other hand, I have witnessed you share generously with others so I’m calling this a “brother thing” and hoping you grow out of it.
After struggling on-and-off with potty-training, Mommy took a stand after you turned three. I bought you underwear and a timer. Every hour you sat on the potty. We had to clean up a few messes but within a month, training was done. You’ve taken to the responsibility very well and now take care of business all by yourself (except for wiping). You’ve even very recently told me that you no longer need your potty seat. While you have taken well to being “a big boy” in the potty department, you have not taken so well to feeding yourself. You suddenly become unable to perform the smallest task when it’s mealtime and tell us adamantly that you are too little to feed yourself. Mommy took another stand and yesterday, on your 4th birthday, every fork and spoonful came from your own hand.
I couldn't be prouder of your developing taste buds. You eat raw green beans right out of the garden. Your favorite snacks include fresh mango, fruit and nut trail mix, and almond granola bars. You happily eat broccoli, peas, and sweet peppers, only turning your nose up consistently to tomatoes and potatoes. Every ounce of these nutritious choices seem to go into making you taller, rather than adding any meat to your thin frame.
This upcoming year will be our last before you go to school and begin your journey with best friends, teachers, and increasing independence. I have hopes that I will be able to change my work schedule so that I can participate in your experience as much as possible. While I understand and fully accept that you will increasingly need me less, you will also always know that I’m right here.
Happy 4th Birthday, Sweet Boy. Love, Momma
P.S. You finally had your Dinosaur Party. Last year, you changed your mind at the last minute to Cars. :)
