Three Years Old

Today you turn three years old, Gavin James. I won't say that I can hardly believe it or that time has flown because I do believe it, and it's been a long time coming. When thinking back to where this journey began and where you are today, the biggest emotion I feel is pride. I am so, so proud of you, kid. I'm also awestruck. Watching you grow and learn and become more and more articulate every day is the single most incredible thing that I've ever witnessed unfold. You make me laugh more than anyone I know. You're full of energy and are passionate about your free will, and just like a boy, you adore potty talk.

Parenting you has been the most life-altering and humbling experience I've ever known. At times it's been rocky, especially in the beginning, and we still have multiple trying moments every single day. Nobody can really prepare you for what it will be like to become a parent for the first time. It hasn't been easy, and I've been completely transformed as a person. But, we've come a long, long way, and we both learn every day how to better navigate this adventure we're on together. You and me kid...we've got something really, really special.

More and more frequently we share those moments where my heart melts and I stop and think to myself, This...THIS is what it's all about. You ask me to snuggle with you on the daily, give me big hugs and kisses, and I even get an "I love you" every now and then. The memories of the fits and screaming and total loss of control are slowly slipping away, and you're turning into one gem of a little boy. I'm spending much less of my day playing defense and much more time relishing the sweet moments. Reaching this point has been my life's greatest pleasure.

You're such a special little guy, Gavin, and you have so many qualities that make me laugh or leave me feeling proud or in awe. Recently you've found a love for creating a mess with scissors, glue and paper, which you call making a "project." But that doesn't mean you are any less enthralled by trucks, cars and construction equipment. In fact, you're still completely obsessed. I plan my route through construction sites just for you, my friend. Your imagination has really taken off, and I often find you flipping through a book but coming up with your own words for the story, which you "read" aloud. Your dad and I are pretty sure you'll be one of those kids that takes on an imaginary friend at some point. And actually, I've been overhearing you talk about some Pepe character... You often insist that you're a lizard, and it's so strange, but I'm happy to roll with it. I love when you climb up on the stool and help me in the kitchen, and when you play independently in the backyard for an hour or more, it's simply amazing. You love dance parties, and your favorite song is "Cake By the Ocean." And also, I'm not afraid to brag about your bike riding skills. You've been balancing on two wheels for a couple months now, and with bike enthusiasts as parents, this makes us very excited. You've gotten pretty good at "please" and "thank you," and your affection toward others is heart-warming. Dawn says you're one of the best huggers she's ever known. I love that. You like to dance, and acting like a goofball is another of your specialties. Your funniest quirk lately is that you absolutely loathe spilled food. I have to equip you with a wipe at every meal to brush drips of milk and bits of food off your clothes after every bite. It's so weird and so funny. I look forward to seeing your precious face every morning and discovering how all your energy and silliness will play out in our day.

This post wouldn't be complete if we didn't talk about how well you've finally adjusted to your role as a big brother. It took about 4 months for you to come around, and you were pretty thrown at first. But now you love nothing more than showing Graham your toys and demonstrating to him the things you can do. You even refer to yourself in the third person as "Big Brother." Sometimes if I have to run out of the room for a few minutes, I even entrust you to watch him while I'm gone. You love when you can alert me to the fact that he's waking up from a nap, and you always join me to get him out of his crib. Bringing the baby home drastically changed our family dynamic, and we've all grown by leaps and bounds since then, but I am most impressed with you, Gavin. When we're out in public and I've got my hands full with the baby, I never even worry about you wandering off or acting up or being uncooperative anymore. I'm so proud of you. You've grown up so much in the last eight months.

What will age 3 be like for us? It's anybody's guess. I hear 3 is the hardest age...but I don't know. I kind of think we've turned a corner, and I can only feel really good about what's to come. It's no secret that you're fiercely independent and have an uncanny way with words, and I am excited to see where these qualities lead you. I can only hope for many, many more dance parties, hilarious conversations and wild adventures. The world is a better place with you in it, and I'm a better person because of you. You're the best, kid, and I love you so much. Happy, happy birthday. I am SO looking forward to this year...and many, many more...with you!