Three

April 29, 2012

A year ago I started a blog.  It was inspired by my Wild One turning two.  Life has happened, and I haven't made writing a priority, but because I was so inspired last year around the time of Wild One's birth, maybe I'll just make this an annual tradition on the anniversaries of my children's births.

April 29, 2015

Today, Wild One, you are three.  After reflecting on last year's entry, I pore upon your growth and change in one short year.  My love for you continues to explosively expand with each rotation of the earth.

You will always be my first baby, and you have taught me to love more broadly and fervidly.  Last night, I cried hard, ugly tears about your birthday.  These were not necessarily sad tears, just tears representing feelings about how much you've changed me.  You've changed my heart, the way I feel about the world, the way I feel about your daddy, the way I make choices, big and small.  You have been the key that has opened my mind to honestly embrace the purest parts of me.  Your presence has encouraged me to voice my opinions about things which I feel strongly, and to share my passions with enthusiasm and without regret.  You have helped me know me better.

I know you better today than I did yesterday, or as you like to say, "yesternight".  When you turned two, I was still learning about your likes and dislikes, your preferences and your passions.  I know that you still love trucks, but you don't call them "dumpers" anymore... instead, you can name each different vehicle with specificity, often quickly correcting my errors with fervor.  You have recently become fascinated with dinosaurs, likely inspired by your older brother's anticipation (obsession) for the new Jurassic World film release.  And just like Clever shows you distinguishing characteristics to identify each dinosaur, you in turn replicate the descriptions to your little brother.  He eagerly approves, as he gazes longingly at your pointing, teaching little fingers, and I know he aspires to do all that you do.

You can usually be swayed from inconsolable to calm with a one on one sit down and lots of deep breaths.  You are sensitive and emotional, and these are wonderful attributes that will help you be a compassionate and loving partner, friend and father one day.  I feared the third year of your life, as most first time parents do, but I think you took it easy on us.  Maybe you knew The Thinker, whose nickname might need to be changed at this point, would give us a strong-willed adventure.

You taught me this year not to rush you to be a "big boy."  You no longer poop in your pants, and for that, I am grateful.  You still love to be held and cuddle with your mommy, and although sometimes inconvenient, I will try to remember not to allow convenience to dictate my response to these requests.  Sometimes I get caught in the shoulds and coulds of raising a toddler, and you teach me to slow down and be present.  All week long I have been asking you if you remember what's happening on Wednesday, and you usually reply with what we're doing next in our day, whether it be dinner or playing outside or a bath.  Thank you for reminding me to be present.

You say such funny things sometimes.  You tell me to be careful because you don't want me to get hurt.  You inform me that ice cream is delicious and your "fravrite" is chocolate.  Our bedtime routine often entails you telling a "story" whose subject is usually The Thinker or one of your birthdays.  Then you insist each member of the family also tells a story while specifying you'd like it to be about you and your brothers.  You love bath time, but every night you try to convince us you don't need to wash your hair.  Sometimes you still scream when we do.  I think your beautiful blue eyes are pretty sensitive, because you react the same way in the car when the sun shines, and you tell us to "turn off the sun."  When sharing an exciting experience with your younger brother, you become protective and you love to explain things.  You play well by yourself, and your imagination and sound effects amaze and entertain me.  Sometimes, I hide around the corner just to listen to your mind at work.  You play rough with your brothers, and when you're tired, you start bouncing around on all the furniture and me.  You love to be naked, and you run around the house shouting, "Naked butt!  Naked butt!  Naked butt!"  You have taught me to find joy in the daily minutia and to laugh when things get super silly.

You love all things red, which will be the theme of your birthday party on Saturday.  We had originally planned to forgo an official party, but then you began to tell us one of your nightime "stories" about your red birthday cake and how your friends Bella, Lylah and Oren would come to your house.  How could we say no to that?

We love you so much, Wild One, and we are excited to continue to get to know you, learn from you and watch you embrace life.