Three.

{Little Guy on his 3rd birthday trying not to smile}

Dear Little Guy,

I can't believe you are three years old.  It seems like it was just a few months ago that we brought you home all swaddled up in your baby blanket that had been washed with Dreft.  We were so happy to have you in our home and in our hearts.  Labor and delivery had lasted twelve whole hours (with one hour of pushing) but it was worth all that work to have you laid on my chest all warm and new to the world.  You were pretty big, weighing in at 8lbs 8oz and 22 inches long, and didn't stop growing from that point on (you are still taller than most kids your age... and some who are older than you!).  We loved your pudgy, kissable cheeks and your sweet disposition.  Colic ruled your life (as well as ours) for a few months, and I was beyond relieved once you grew out of it.  It was always so hard seeing you cry in pain when there was very little that I could do to relieve that pain!  Despite the colic, you were a happy baby and completely mellow from that time on.

I have loved every single stage you have gone through.  The newborn cuddles, the army crawl, the toddling first steps, and those first spoken words.  You are absolutely hilarious and make your dad and I laugh on a daily basis.  You're a sweet boy who is concerned about others.  If someone else is crying, you get a worried look on your face and do what you can to make them feel better.  You love little babies and are so sweet and gentle with them.  I can't wait for your little brother to arrive as I know you will love him and be such a great helper.  You play nice with other kids and don't retaliate when they don't play so nice.  You are an excellent traveler and entertain yourself during our long road trips to grandma and grandpa's house.  With your legs crossed and your arms back behind your head, you stare out the window and ask all sorts of questions, and even entertain us with some of your adorable made-up stories.

You are currently obsessed with Halloween and pirates.  In fact, this year you requested to have a Halloween themed birthday party (it's a good thing your birthday is in October).  We hung paper spiders from the lights, painted pumpkins and decorated with orange, yellow and black.  You were in absolute heaven!  It was so fun seeing your excitement over every little gift you were given.  I think it may be safe to say that one of your favorite gifts was the singing card that you got from all of us (that or the Cheetos your dad gave you).  You are so easy to please and are a lover of life.  I am so grateful for you.

Thank you for making me smile every day.  For giving me a reason to get out of bed every morning.  For greeting me with a big smile on your face and asking, "What should we do today?".  For your cuddles on the couch.  For pretending to be the doctor when I don't feel well.  For laughing at my silly attempts to be goofy.  For surprising me with a random hug several times throughout the day.  For being obedient.  For loving the scriptures and requesting to read them each night.  For your wonderful example.  It's amazing the things you have taught me in three short years.

You are my best bud and have changed my life for the better.

I love you, my little guy.
Your Mommy