Dear Liam,
You’re turning three! How hard that is to believe. You’re my baby!
You know, until you came into the world, I didn’t know much about boys, aside from what I’ve learned from your Daddy. And boy, have I been fortunate to learn from someone as amazing as him. He has, so far, graciously guided me through the world of boys. J It amazes me on a daily basis to see how different you are from Ava; your immediate inclination to reach for toys that are “boyish”, your gruff little voice, your demeanor.
You definitely have me wrapped around your finger! Ava is Daddy’s girl and you seem to be Momma’s boy. Even though you are a Momma’s boy, you definitely assert your independence and make your opinions known.
I love how you have such a cooperative attitude. When you want to play with something, you will bring up an idea, saying something like: “Let’s play with trains, Ava, okay?” Within the past month or so, you have really seemed to start to think through compound ideas. (i.e. if this, then that, etc). You seem to thrive in a group of kids, take direction well and always participate in whatever project or fun comes your way. You really like to play outside, pushing your big firetruck ride-toy around. You run behind it as fast as you can. I often think you are going to fall, but somehow you seem to keep up with it! You will often ask to go play at Matthew’s house, our older (7 year-old) neighbor.
You’ve really started talking quite a bit lately. When I was putting you to bed recently (while fireworks were going off after July 4th), you said “Hey, what is that noise I hear while I’m in bed?” When I told you it was fireworks, you said “No, I don’t think it’s fireworks, I think it’s an airplane.” I had to crack up. It was fireworks, but we had talked a few minutes earlier about the airplane flying overhead that we heard. You’re still not interested in talking on the phone very long and nod your head in response to some questions people ask you over the phone. :)
You seem to be outgoing and very social. You’ve continued to be pretty laid-back and go with the flow with whatever we do. I hope this attitude follows you throughout life! You’re always up for some fun and lead the charge, but also can be flexible and are excited to try different things. What a great combination to have!
You seem to be older than your years. Some people comment that you look like you’re four. And you do! Recently at Six Flags Whitewater water park, you went on some water slides that are for seven year-olds and up! You are fearless with most things like this. You met the height requirement (no surprise!) so we let you go down once, to see if you’d like it. You did, so we let you slide as often as you liked with Ava. That day you both stayed together so well, while sliding down slides and playing in the water. It’s fun to watch you both when you get along so well.
At the waterpark that day, while I was playing in the activity pool with you and Ava, I turned my head for a few seconds and turned it back toward you. You were underwater, looking up at me with your eyelids blinking! You could stand up easily in the water where we were, but somehow must’ve gone underwater and didn't realize you could stand up in it. I pulled you up out of the water. It scared me that you went underwater while I wasn’t looking. It wasn’t even a few seconds!
You LOVE trains. When you say your prayers at night, you always thank God for your trucks, trains and cars. Occasionally family will be thrown in there, but you never forget to thank God for those things. You have a healthy appetite, but don’t overeat. You LOVE candy and “wah-ye-pops” (lollipops) and gum. Boy do you love gum. You always seem to work off anything you eat; if you’re awake, you’re moving! You can sit still if you’re interested in a book or a movie, though. You will often ask to watch “Thomas the Train” on t.v. If you’re awake, you’re thinking about trains. When I asked you recently what you want to be when you grow up, you answered a “train”. J
I’m still curious to see if you’ll be left or right-handed. You seem to trade off which hand you use often. You can recite your ABC’s, but haven’t really started drawing your letters yet. You recently started coloring objects on a paper more “in the lines” than just putting crayon on the paper.
You are funny and have quite a sense of humor. When something seems “off” to you, you will say “that is silly!” (you actually say “siwwy”, though) You probably say this because that’s what I’ve said when something looks different than it should.
You are our cuddle monkey. You will often randomly come up to me or Daddy and say “I wuv you SOOOO much!” (I LOVE this). You like to have your head scratched / massaged at bedtime and easily go to sleep (once you decide to do so). Our trip to Disney World in February seems to have left a lasting impression on you; you continue to talk about the “witch” (Malificent from Sleeping Beauty). You sleep through the night entirely. When you wake up in the morning, you need a few minutes to slowly wake up while sitting on the couch. After that, you get to “work” playing with your trains or coloring something.
You have been potty-trained for what seems like forever! The last dirty diaper I remember changing was at Disney World’s Epcot Center, in “Japan” J (2 years 7 months). Even then, you were mostly potty-trained and were sleeping through the night in big boy underwear. We really didn’t do much to potty-train you. You seemed to have made the decision that you wanted to be potty-trained, so that made it very easy to transition to big-boy underwear. You sleep through the night with underwear, too. I am amazed at how quickly you wanted to be potty-trained. It probably helped to see Ava’s routine and know that she was going on the potty, too.
Your favorite color is currently: green
Your favorite movie is: anthing with Thomas the Train in it, or other trains.
Your favorite food is: fresh baby carrots, pizza.
Your favorite song: "I am a paleontologist" by They Might Be Giants (or Thomas the Train song)
Your saying: "I wuv you SOOO much!"
Your favorite activity: playing with trains, playing in the pool
When we gave you your big present for your birthday the other day (a Roundhouse turntable for your Thomas the Trains), without me even prompting you, immediately upon opening it, you looked over at Daddy and said “Thank you” in the sweetest way. You’re ONLY THREE and thought of doing this on your own!
Liam, Daddy and I are both so blessed to have you in our lives. I can’t wait to see what you’re like as you grow up and into adulthood. You seem like you will be very responsible, thoughtful, gentle, social, flexible, have a funny sense of humor, focused. I pray you follow the path that God sets before you, and seek his guidance always.
Happy third birthday, sweet Liam.
We love you SO much!
Mommy and Daddy
