Three: Time flies.

Dear Brady,

 I look back at the last year and I literally feel like I blinked and it had flown by. Here you are, a THREE year old, a big brother and an amazing little boy. I find myself wondering, 'Where has time gone?' but I look and find myself SO proud.

You are not the least bit shy. I love watching this part of your grow. You'll run up to any kid and ask if they want to play, like you have been friends for years. You have so many  people that you love and have a special relationship with each one. It makes me happy to see you grow in this way but sad that you're growing up so fast. 

                                                                     

I'm also amazed at how well you've grown into your new  role as a big brother. You have adapted so well. I'm not going to lie and say you haven't licked him,  thrown something at him or flicked a booger on him but most of the time, you are so sweet with him.  You talk to him when he cries and he stops. You do that for him buddy. He looks up to you with this affection that only you two share and it makes my heart swell each and every time I see it. You're the best big brother and I'm lucky that I get to watch you both grow but your relationships as well. It's something I've wanted so much for you both so I'm blessed that you have loved him since the moment you set your eyes on his.

 You're so very bright and sometimes you surprise me in how your mind works. You see things in such a way that I find myself looking at the world differently too. You probably ask 432 questions a day and I here you repeating things I've said.  I forget sometimes how much you understand and we've had some amazing conversations. They always end every night with us both saying, "I love you!" 

You are all boy but you like some things done the 'right' way. You like pink and purple and don't mind playing with princesses. You think it's SO funny right now and like to talk about 'talking' things. Like talking fruit, talking hair or talking shoes.

You stopped napping right when Bennett was about 2 months old but have days where you still take one though, you really need one everyday. Since you've stopped napping, you've started sleeping much better at night. You usually go to bed between 7:30 (especially if you haven't napped) and 8 and get up anywhere between 630-8. We have even had a few times where you slept in as in like past 8 and once till 9!

You're wearing 4T clothes and size TEN shoes. You seriously hit a huge growth spurt this month and we had to go and buy you all new shoes and jammies! You still love milk. Oh, how you love it. You pretty much love anything but don't want to stop and play sometimes to eat! You love salad, sketti, noodles, salami, broccoli, chocolate milk and orange juice. Oh, candy too. I think you would live on suckers if I would you.

You still call Oatmeal, "eatmeal' say "Dump truck truck, I'll need to add to this list because there are so many things you say that are just so cute that I want to remember.

You are recently interested in the days of the week but you're favorite day is Sunday. It's ALWAYS Sunday. You talk about yesterday a lot too :)

You can count to 12 or 13 depending on the day but forget 2 and 4 and still call 11, eleventeen. You sing your ABC's and can id them, though you do forget some sometimes.

You love playing outside, swinging, going on walks, playing baseball, Thomas, trains, cars, trucks, TRAINS, Thomas, reading, playing kitchen, and watching Thomas. You have recently become more obsessed with Thomas but still love anything Trucks. You just love toys. Any toys.

You just had your first birthday party with your friends. You loved every second of it. The smile was almost glued to your face.

 You continue to be a 'curious' kid. You're constantly getting into things you're not supposed to. Spices, coffee grounds, mommy's makeup, the list goes on. I've cleaned marker off the walls, crayon off the windows, I can't leave you alone for a second! You are a human version of Curious George and I laugh because people ask me how mad I got the time you (insert many of the messes you have made) but sometimes, I just have to laugh. You are a very curious and active little boy!

 I am amazed at how much difference a year makes. Last year, last year, you were just a new two year old who was still a baby to me. You were just learning to talk more than a few phrases.

We had just found out you were going to be a big brother!

 We played outside. A LOT.

You learned how to throw a tantrum! Luckily, we're out of the 'let's throw myself on the ground' stage but you sure know how to rock a tantrum.

Now? You're a big kid. There is not much, if any baby left on that face of yours. I really can't believe it. You are just a big kid all of a sudden. 

It's been an amazing year. I'm more than excited to see how the next year goes but can you do me a favor? Let's make it a loooooooong year. I'm not sure I can handle if it goes by even faster!

We love you little man.

 I can't wait to celebrate with you!

 Happy Birthday!