Another Birthday Boy!

To our sweet birthday T,

Three years ago you made your dramatic entrance into the world with the cord around your neck and roomful of doctors and nurses breathing sighs of relief that there you were, chubby, healthy, and crying with life. We knew early on what a precious gift of life we were given in you, our dear sweet T. How much we loved you then and still, as if possible, we continue today to love you even more.

You were a handful at 5 days, vomiting blood from your nursin' mama. You were tumultuous at 2 weeks when you and mom finally got into a nursing groove. But you were always sweet, our sweet T. Your smiles were early and immediate. Your cuddles were heartfelt and constant. You quickly went from "misunderstood" to charming.

And today to think of all you've done and have left to do in your little life. You pal with your big brother like a best friend above no one else. You talk languidly and clearly and we sometimes can't believe it is just now that you're turning 3. You can't wait to start school and learn to read and swim like your big bro. You mimic so much of what he does, but have always been your own person, as stubborn as they come. Mommy secretly loves how resilient you are in the face of a challenge (even ones at the dinner table) for this stick-to-it-ness will serve you well in life. In the midst, though, you are so polite, always disarming your mama with "No, thank you". How could a mother be upset with that?? :)

You are creative and kinesthetic--you beg for play-doh, paints, and crayon rocks. You are my little artsy one and I cherish you. You even drew a picture of a football stadium the other day to show your Daddy and let him know how much YOU like football too, but of course in your own way.

We love your spirit. We cherish your tenderness. We are so blessed to know you.

I love you, my sweet T.

We celebrate you today!