Birthday Letter for the 3 Year Olds

(See the Birthday Letter for the 2 Year Olds Here.)

Dear Spencer and Kate,

Oh, sweet kiddos. I am finally getting to the point where I don't call you the "babies" so much anymore. It does slip out more and more, but it's time to face the truth. You are not babies anymore.

Today you turn 3.

It doesn't seem possible that it has been three years since I first saw your precious faces, held you in my arms. I still hold you in my arms, in my heart, and I will never let you go. The Lord has taught me so much through you and you challenge me EVERY.SINGLE.DAY to cling to Him. I can never say thank you enough for simply being mine, but really, being His.

Spencer, you are one hilarious fella. You say the FUNNIEST things that Daddy and I have no idea where it comes from... I would tell the whole world on this blog but most are about poop somehow and I doubt when you are older you will appreciate that. Remind me to write that down in your baby book though. Oh my, are you funny!!!

You are OBSESSED with whales and sharks and other things ocean related. It is amazing to see how you know all the different types of whales and sharks after only being told once. There have been many times when you will say it is a specific type ("that's a bull shark! a goblin shark! a right whale!") and Daddy and I will say, "No, I think it's a....oh wait. You're right Spencer." It really cracks us up that you know whales and dolphins are mammals, and if we try to tell you that you also are a mammal, you say, "No!! I a boy!!" You could watch Disney's documentaries "Earth" and "Oceans" every day if I let you.

You and Kate have become quite the duo here recently. Lots of races up and down the hallway, hide and seek, jumping on beds, playing with toys together, pretending to be explorers or go to the beach....it is very exciting and sweet to see this best friendship developing. Sometimes you can get kinda protective, though, and you don't like it when other kids try to take Kate's toys away. Even if she says it's okay! We're working on finding a balance there. :)

You are also finding a love for cars and dinosaurs, and you are still a big reader. I love reading with you. You have developed quite the collection of ocean books thanks to people who know and love you, and one of your favorite things is to sit in the lap of someone you love and trust and look at an ocean book.

You know all your letters, words that begin with those letters, numbers to 20 (still leaving out 13, counting 14 twice, and skipping 15) but we are getting there. You also are doing great at knowing the meaning of counting...that every item gets a number. You are killing it in speech and tested out of First Steps this year. Now you take speech at WKU and you are killing it there, too. Everyone always tells me you are so agreeable, attentive, and the best little boy. Your speech therapist was told time and time again that she had it made with you for a client. Most 2 year old boys wouldn't have acted so great like you did!!!

You are pretty shy with new people, but man...once you open up you LOVE attention! You love to make people laugh and will be so silly to get some giggles from those you love. You have a sweet tooth that is unmatched, it seems. This can get you into trouble sometimes. You still love your milk, and will drink your entire cup first at a meal. You are doing pretty good using the potty, and we are taking it slow. You are so ticklish and then it cracks us up when you say, "Okay. I need a break!" when we've tickled too much!

This year you another mouth surgery. It was pretty hard on you since you are a little bit older than last time. But I tell you what, little man, you are nothing short of a champ. I can not tell you how much of a rockstar you are!!! They told us a minimum of 3 days the hospital and we came home after only one night!!

I love you so much. You make me laugh, bring me joy, and challenge me every day. You keep me on my toys and life is brighter with you in it. I really do thank God every day for letting me be your mommy. Happy Birthday, sweet boy.

Oh, my precious Princess Kate. You really are a treasure. You are so outgoing and smart and talkative. You bring great joy to all around you. Your heart is so sweet and kind [most of the time] and I love seeing your nurturing nature come out.

You love all things Princess. I hope you know that being a daughter of the King really does make you a Princess. The King is enthralled with your beauty; honor Him, for He is your Lord. (ps. 45:11) You are beautiful not because of your external looks (though you are stunning!!) but because of the sweet spirit you have inside you.

You have quite the imagination. You love playing dolls, especially Cinderella, and having picnics with our pretend food. You love to dance and can shake it like nobody's business! I love seeing that!! It makes me laugh. We have so much fun at our family dance parties!!!! You love to be read to, but also like others listening to you "read" as well! It makes my heart happy to have you "read" to me!

One time, in the car, you said the sweetest thing. We were talking about Jesus being in our hearts, and being thankful, and you said to me, "You in my heart Mommy, and I in your heart." Now you say that regularly. It is one of the sweetest things. It will stay with me forever, and it is so true.

You have very good manners, and I appreciate that so much. Good manners are really one of those things that will take you far in life, I believe. You love to be tickled, and it is so funny when you say "Oh dear!" when you drop something. You sound so grown up! It is so cute to hear when you wake up, "Mommy! Where are you?" as you lay in your bed and call for me. But I better come quick, otherwise it turns into "MOMMY!! WHERE ARE YOU!!"

Sometimes people think because you love pink and princesses that you are all girly and prissy. SO NOT TRUE. You can play cars and animals and wrestle (sometimes) with the best of 'em. You are totally fine to be out in the dirt rolling around. You pretty much pull out any hair bow I put in within 30 minutes. You prefer to be pantless if you get a choice. You love to "hide" and play hide-n-seek...which usually ends up with you under a blanket!! Happy birthday, precious girl. How much joy you bring to us!!

I am recording all this because I don't want to forget any of it. I am trying to cherish every single second I have with you, especially before your brother and sister come home. I know we are going to have a blast as a big family, but I never want to wish this time with you away.

I love you both so, so much. I am so thankful I get to be here with you every day and learn from you. Your Daddy and I are so grateful that God has blessed us in this way.

Happy Birthday big kids.

Momma