Letter to My Birthday Boy

My dear Luke,

Happy Birthday! You are 3 today! I love the picture above because, to me, it captures the unbridled enthusiasm that you have for life. You literally skip through the world with such exuberance and joy, and bring such a positive energy to all that you do.

Your third year of life was full of so many amazing moments, but my most treasured memories are our weekdays together. This was the last full year that I had you home with me every day before you begin preschool next fall, and you truly are my little buddy. From our unstructured pajama days to our mornings at the playground or music class, we had so much fun together, just Luke and Mommy. You transitioned to a big boy bed this year, which meant that more often than I planned, I fell asleep “snuggling you” at naptime, and we spent lazy afternoons dreaming together.

Two-years-old meant unharnessed energy, contagious giggles, an incredible memory, a vivid imagination, and a vocabulary that astounded most adults. Two was Mickey Mouse, discovering ice cream, adoring things that go, and playing in the dirt & sand. Two was all things boy: Firemen, tools, balls, and bulldozers. However, Two also contained many gentle moments: Cuddling to read books, quiet times singing and rocking together, and knowing that Mommy’s kisses still heal a boo-boo almost as well as an Elmo Band-Aid.

You introduced me to the joy of rescue and construction vehicles this year, reminded me how much fun exploring and playing can be, and gave me the most precious gift of sharing each day with you, my beloved son. You challenged me with your strong will, too, tested boundaries, and are your own little person with definite desires and opinions. As my firstborn, we learned how to survive Two together, and you were incredibly forgiving for the mistakes that I made along the way. You helped me to grow immensely as a parent this year, and I am so thankful.

Most of all, you welcomed your baby sister into our family and learned how to share your Mommy and Daddy’s attention with a new tiny being, surely a huge challenge for any two-year-old. You make all of our lives so full and rich, and really are such a special little boy. I thank God for this day, 3 years ago, when you came into the world, and celebrate you today. Happy Birthday, my sweet boy! You are so deeply loved and cherished.

Love, Mommy