The Big THREE!

 Today my baby turned THREE! 

And he KNOWS it!

At his birthday breakfast, while waiting for some family that was visiting to make it to the kitchen, he simply stated, "Sing Happy Birthday to me!" Like "I'm ready mom... I'm so grown up."

A few recent pics of him that I love!

This year has been a big year of growth for this guy- and I don't just mean height and weight! As he IS almost catching Ryan in the height category, he's also grown so much in independence and personal opinion. He's become potty trained, moved into a big boy bedroom, gave up the paci and declared his stand that he is NOT a baby anymore. He started preschool in the spring and I'm SO thankful that his first experience was with a group of kids ranging from 2-5 and he was challenged to keep up with those kiddos. It was a small, in-home environment that I really believed help him in his speech, communication skills and ability to adapt to different environments. He will go on in the fall to a program in which he'll be in a class with just 3yr olds (in which he'll be one of the youngest) and I think he's going to do fabulous!

When he was younger, we were told by a doctor to expect about a 6mo delay in his development when he approached the 2-3 yr old age... and boy were they wrong! Praising God for his speech and comprehension of things to be right on (if not above in some areas) and how he is super quick to pick up new things and make connections between places we go and people we know.  Physically, he's pretty fearless! He likes to sit back and take things in, but he is very confident and bold in being Ryan's copycat and being able to do almost everything Ryan tries. Trying new things brings him so much joy and that's fun for any parent to watch.

There's no denying he is a strong-willed child and can be pretty stubborn... but really, the world without people like him would be quite boring I'm sure. He's not a happy camper when he first wakes up and is really good at challenging mommy and seeing how far she'll take things, but I can't overlook how much improvement has been made in other areas over the last year!

Eating- he now loves food and is one of my better eaters! This has been a challenge for many reasons since the first time we attempted baby food, so it's a HUGE relief for this mom! He loves meat (requested meatballs as his birthday dinner), pizza, sandwiches, yogurt and apples, to name a few.  

Playing- he has really improved in the independent-play department. His love of his trucks and superhero characters makes time in the playroom lots of fun!

His relationships- He has always had a special love for his Papa (since 3mo old) and we've always been able to help him find calmness on Papa's lap. We are grateful for that, but even better now is that he will just find a lap (quite often Grandma's) and be comfortable there for as long as that person will allow. Bonding with others was a challenge when he was a bit younger, but he's turned into quite a little snuggler with anyone that will allow it- and it's been so fun to see him break out of the emotional shell and hug people more willingly. He's really "growing up" in this area and it brings me joy to watch the smiles it brings to others' faces when he shows his love for them. 

One of my favorite things about Joshua is how much his brothers love him. Tonight, putting him to bed as a 3 year old, Ryan sang to him. He likes to "tuck him in" and sing his request... then kiss him on the forehead just like mommy would. Logan loves to read to him and he'll sit and allow him to read book after book if it means he gets to hang out with him a bit longer. These are moments when watching my boys being brothers just fills me up- where I can see how God orchestrated their ages, their strengths and their weaknesses to grow this sweet trio that I get to call mine. 

Dear Joshua, 

As I write this year's "letter" to you, I had to go back and look at what I wrote last year! I read that and am (again) just SO amazed at the strides you've taken in another year of life! You are bold and confident and OH SO SMART! The way you admire Ryan and Logan but are starting to become a big boy alongside them (instead of just their little shadow) is so enjoyable to watch. You're going through a stage in which copying whatever they say (even as they're getting in trouble for saying it) is a true pleasure to you- a way to let us all be reminded that you are not a baby anymore, but instead "one of the boys". You laugh with them and sing with them and those sounds bring joy to our ears!

I've said this so many times to so many people, but continue to be convinced of its truth: God is going to do amazing things in your life!  You challenge and stretch me as a mom and I know that I'm going to look back one day (I already do!) and praise God for the lessons you've taught me. I pray that you will use your passionate spirit to be bold for God- to speak truth to those who need it- to love fearlessly and to defend the weak. You are so strong... in mind, body and spirit... and I think knowing this about you at age 3 is a remarkable gift. God has made you just the way you are and I can't imagine that His plans for you don't involve putting the use of this strength to a mighty work. 

I'm not the perfect mother and we are not the perfect parents- and don't ever want to pretend to be. But know this sweet boy- We will fight for you and love you unconditionally. We will pray for you- on our knees- asking God to grow and mold and heal and strengthen every bit of your being. We will work to provide everything you need and some of what you want. We will discipline you and teach you HIS ways- modeling forgiveness and patience and gentleness and love. We are so blessed to have been given the gift of being your parents and thank God for giving us you and your brothers.

Be blessed sweet boy. Know you are loved and believe you are special. We know you are!

Love, 

Mommy and Daddy