Happy Third, My Little Bear!

Happy third birthday, my little babe! Thursday, February 8, at 1:03 in the afternoon, you came into this world...a lunchtime baby they called you. I labored for 29 1/2 hours - you were determined to stay in my belly forever - and after 45 minutes of pushing, there you were! Perfect! So much brown, crazy hair...foreshadowing to your personality, I suppose. Your fingers and toes were so tiny - just seven pounds of you laying in my arms (at least 5.5 was your bucket head!), gazing at me as if to say, "I know you."

How in the world have three years gone by so quickly? I swear it was only yesterday when you were somersaulting around inside my belly and today you are running around doing it in gymnastics class. You are my bouncy, crazy, silly, funny, wild, tender-hearted little man...ornery like a little boy should be, sometimes naughty like you shouldn't be, and at the same time, such a lovable little fellow.

You entered the world pretty quietly and contently, but it didn't last long. You were easy and happy and as soon as you found your voice you were hollering and laughing to anyone who would listen. You came with me everywhere. You skipped over crawling and went straight to running. You occasionally shared a water dish with the dogs. Walking at nine months...talking a short time later. You'd say "woof woof!" constantly. I can't remember when I haven't been able to have a conversation with you. I discovered so much about myself from having you...a capability to love a person more than I could have imagined. You captured my heart with your puppy dog eyes and easy laugh. You did everything so quickly and wanted to grow up so fast! I went sleepless for nearly a year because you woke up a zillion times a night. To eat, chat, poop, whatever...I didn't even mind because it meant a few more precious minutes with you. The first day I dropped you off at the sitter, I cried all day. I no longer cry but it hasn't gotten any easier. Ok, I'll be honest, sometimes I do still cry.

You are growing so fast...you question everything in the world. What does this animal eat? I saw the firetrucks, who is hurt? What's this? Where's that? Endless questions for your curious little mind. You are such a boy's boy...loving the outdoors, football, and hunting (gasp!) because your daddy does. You love animals immensely. You are convinced that only certain colors, driving, and football are for boys. You can't wait to ride your Lightning McQueen bike when the weather gets warmer and you are counting the days until you can be Daddy's bat boy this summer. You are too smart for your own good - and you know it. You are witty and silly and the perfect three-year old package.

I am so proud of how much you love your baby sister...I love to watch you with her. My heart melts when you touch her face and baby talk with her. I adore that you hold her and just want to watch her at times...you truly are a wonderful big brother. You are turning into such a little man...it breaks my heart that you are no longer a baby, even though you will always be mine. I love you, my little bear...happy birthday!