Three Years Old

Dear Brian,

You are THREE today. I am in shock to be honest. How is that even possible? I have to admit that having your new little sister due very soon has softens the blow a little. But the hormones that come along with that have more than made up for it! I am excited to see you grow, and still very sad that you aren't a baby anymore.

Your year has been tough from time to time. Time out has definitely found a place in your world. You are not a bad boy by any means, but you certainly have your moments, tantrums and days! In fact your last day as a two year old was a tough one. I'm hoping your first day as a three year old will be much better! One thing that we have found out over this past year is that bargaining works well with you and it will continue to be used!

Since starting speech therapy your vocabulary has expanded quite a bit. Still work to be done for sure, but it's getting better.

You continue to be quite affectionate-especially with your mama! You pay attention to what everyone is doing and what's going on around you. You are in tune with feelings-especially the feelings of other children. You worry very much when you hear one crying.

On the hearing front, we don't know much because you have refused to cooperate during your tests this entire year. You get another chance next week. Cooperate. Please.

You are really into Thomas still. Really into Thomas. Curious George is still a favorite too. You have expanded your interests to include cars, puzzles and dinosaurs though! Golf is still a huge favorite, although you will watch any sport. You still love animals and recently have decided giraffes are more important to see at the Zoo than monkeys!

You are ridiculously funny and you know it! You love to laugh and you love to make people laugh. I'm excited to hear your silly jokes once your speech is better developed. I am sure they will be a hoot!

I don't have your 3 year stats yet (Monday), but I know you are pretty darn close to being tall enough for a booster seat...maybe even there! You are HEAVY I can definitely attest to that. I'm not sure how since you eat so little. Favorite foods include applesauce, yogurt, fruit bars, pizza, french fries, noodles and milkshakes. That's about it. Any snack foods like gold fish, chips and popsicles. I am hoping this will be the year you expand a bit. Maybe you'll even try meat! Water is still your number one drink of choice, with chocolate milk coming a close second. And you are STILL eating your baby cereal. Hey, it's protein. Eat meat and we'll talk!

You are still in diapers although we had a really good run on the potty train for a while there. I am hoping as your speech improves this will come along as well. You are due to start preschool in the fall, but as a Bible School Drop out (pretty much) this week, we shall see about that.

Little man, your world is about to change. Your baby sister will be here before you know it and it's going to be different around here. You need a sibling though and you will love her and be a good big brother, I'm certain. You are lonely and you need another kid to play with. Your fondness of babies is encouraging. I am hoping you will adore your baby sister.

I'm hoping this will be a great year for you. I am hoping that your speech will improve and we will see you grow by leaps and bounds in all of the areas that you need to. We know you are smart and capable and I can't wait to see you soar!

We love you, Brian Thomas, more than we could ever tell you. You are a joy, a total mess and so much fun to be around! It's hard to believe you have been here for three years, but I can't really remember what life was like before you.

Happy THIRD Birthday, buddy.

Love,
Mama