3.5 years in 2016

So much has happened in just half a year! You’re a big brother now, and you’re the best at it. The way you look at and talk to your little sister is truly priceless, and I’m so proud of the little man you’ve become. You told her that you “always wanted her,” and that you’re so happy she’s part of our family. It makes my heart melt to hear you say things like that to her.

You’re super smart and very clever. Your negotiating skills have grown in leaps and bounds and we’re regularly exhausted by the amount of back & forth we need to do to get you do stuff. Other times you’re easy as can be and so eager to please, and you’re happiest when we’re happy.

You’re very sweet and super sensitive; you feel all the feels. We had your parent/teacher conference at preschool and month ago, and your teacher said your sense of empathy is extraordinary. She mentioned that when kids are sad, you’ll often reach out to give them a hug or try to help make them feel better. I couldn’t be more proud since this is the one skill I wanted to make sure we worked on with you. Empathy is so important, and you have it. So much.

Your brain is an ongoing adventure; you love making up stories and telling them; you love acting them out and bringing others along for the ride. Your imagination is a combination of your own clever thoughts and a collection of ideas you pull from your favorite shows. Right now, at this instant, your favorite is Wonder Pets, and you love it that the Wonder Pets “save the day.” You tell us regularly that it’s YOUR JOB to save the day and to be a super hero. And you do just that, in your own delightful way. We also love watching Daniel Tiger, which has so many wonderful lessons that you take to heart. And our other favorite of the moment is Octonauts, which appeals to your sense of curiosity and adventure. Of course you love it that Peso helps ANY creature of the sea to feel better.

We recently had the opportunity to take you back to Minneapolis in the winter, which is something we usually try to avoid (BRRR!!!). You loved seeing all your cousins and friends, and spending time with your Grandma and Grandpa. You made grandma feel so loved and so special, it was so wonderful to see. You got to see snow, and you were so excited about it. You stayed outside in your snow clothes until your face was red with cold and then enjoyed a nice cup of hot cocoa in such an adorable way.

It’s hard, balancing two kids. But you have been very helpful and some days all I need to do is ask you for a hug and it magically can make me feel all better. It’s been hard for you, too. Aurion has stolen the spotlight and it’s caused you to regress more than a few times. Sometimes you just want me or Papa all to yourself, and it’s frustrating that the baby gets all of our attention. But you are mostly understanding, and I’ve been trying to carve out special time just for us, because you are my first and favorite boy, and I don’t want you to ever forget it. I love jumping on the trampoline with you, or building lego houses or just listening to your stories. I love your brain, I love your energy and I love your sweet soul.

I can’t believe we are turning the corner towards four. You’re growing so fast, and I do want to hit pause and just drink it all in. Because you at this age, is awesome. I love you so, so much.