caleb is three

Dear Caleb,

Today we are celebrating three years of you! You woke up this morning with an expectant look on your face, and when you walked into the living room and saw the birthday banner hanging, you were so pleased. "It's my birthday!" you shouted happily, and then proceeded to continue the day as if you'd been crowned king (much to Garrett's dismay).

Our celebrations this year have been quiet. I made you smoothies for breakfast, which are still your favorite, and your friend, Elizabeth, called you on the phone all the way from New Jersey to wish you a happy birthday. We played a few rounds of Hungry, Hungry Hippos, which you'd been aching to do ever since Garrett received the game for his birthday earlier this summer, then spent the rest of the morning outside at the playground. This evening we'll have a family party, with your requested chicken nuggets for dinner and dessert of ice cream and the cupcakes you helped me bake. And presents, too, of course. You're very excited to open presents!

There is no one quite like you, Caleb. You are feisty, strong-willed, and stubborn. You are also observant,  creative, and daring. And when you set your mind to something, there is no changing it. I'm still amazed that after three years of sucking your fingers, when the dentist told you last week that you needed to stop, you dropped the habit without looking back once.

You're growing up -- too quickly, it sometimes seems. You've decided that you're too old now for an afternoon nap and you've taken on more responsibilities in our family. But you are still my blanket-cuddling little boy who will crawl into my lap whenever it's available (and sometimes even when it's not!). And despite the squabbles you engage in (and often provoke) with your brother, you have the ability to be incredibly polite, kind, and thoughtful, thinking of others before yourself.

I love you, my sweet boy. You came into my life three years ago like a whirlwind and have kept me on my toes ever since. You fill a very special place in my heart, and I'm so glad that you are mine.

Love,
Mama