Dearest "Little Boy",

Today, LB, we celebrate your 3rd birthday. What a wonderful 3 years we have shared. You weigh 34 lbs. and are 38 inches tall, which is a far cry from the -3 percentile you started out in. You changed a lot this year not only in stature, but in knowledge and personality. I cherished every part of it.

You still don't like fruit. You would eat a hot dog at every meal if I'd let you. Your most favorite food is "salmon fish" and you gobble it up to our amazement. Your manners are impeccable, and nothing makes mommy happier than hearing you say, "thank you so much, Momma." You are the Prayer Police, and rarely let us sit for a meal without saying grace. At night, when you give thanks to God, you always include a last minute request for a "big mower (tractor) with a poker for hay."

We have become closer than ever this past year while the big kids have been at school. During Mommy School you love to go to Hobby Lobby -- the nutcrackers were your favorite thing to look at during Christmastime. You love to watch the geese on the pond and chase them when I let you. On the rare occasion you fall asleep at nap time, I marvel at how chubby your little hands have become, while dreaming of the wonderful things those hands will create.

You are absolutely fearless, which as a mommy is sometimes difficult to watch. Earlier this year you took a ride down our steep driveway on your John Deere ride-on. You fearlessly jump into Grammy's pool without hesitation, or proper floatation. As scary as this is for mommy to watch, I am also filled with pride at your sense of adventurism and zest for life.

You may be the 3rd born in our family, but you do not posses a middle child's personality. You are a gentle spirited, leader. You worship your older brother, and he has become your best friend. You spend hours playing Legos and dressing up as your favorite Avengers character. Right now it's a toss up between Hulk and Ironman. You are the family diplomat, always concerned about others' happiness. To our amazement, you have embraced your role as Big Brother. You anxiously await for him to wake every morning, and exclaim with surprise, "He has fuzzy hair!!!"

I love your new found independence, and I am trying hard to embrace your wardrobe choices. I won't lie, I love when you wear your costumes in public -- who doesn't love a little boy in a muscle costume? You practically potty trained your self by age 2 1/2, and looked so cute in your Thomas undies. Your vocabulary is expanding exponentially, and your choice of words is so intentional. The expression and animation of those words is a true reflection of your joyful spirit.

Hunter, I look forward to this next year of your life for many reasons. I can not wait to watch your relationship develop with your baby brother, as well as your older brother. I have no doubt that you will all soon be best friends. I promise to savor this last year of having you at home full time, knowing there will never again be a time quite like this. I promise to live in the moment, love you, teach you, and take time to see the world through your eyes. You, my son, are a most precious gift from God, and I love you to the sun and back.

Love,
Mom
3.8.2013