Three. Three. THREE!!!

Dear Miles,

Ten days ago you turned THREE YEARS OLD. I have to use the caps lock when typing how old you are because it sounds like such a big number when I think that the 5 lb., 6 oz. baby I held and swaddled in that hospital room could grow so big and be that many years old. THREE.

This past year has brought so many more joys because of you. I am amazed at how much your language skills have grown. Last night you were pretending with me, saying, "Mama...you be Pooh Bear and I'll be Bee," then proceeded to make Bee interact with Pooh Bear. I love seeing your imagination take off as you grasp more and more about the world around you. Imagination is much more fun seen through your eyes, and I find myself getting lost in your stories of the day or what happened on Word World or your latest favorite movie, Bolt. (In fact, I just had to take a break from typing this to go listen to one of the songs that was on the movie because I love watching you wave when the hamster waves.)

You continue to experience many 'firsts' as well. In January, you saw the ocean for the first time. And though I remember my excitement at seeing the ocean when I was young, it doesn't compare to the feeling I got as I watched your awe-filled expressions, gazing out at the 'big pool' as you called it. I felt your joy as we laughed and ran-ran-ran! away from the waves chasing us up the beach.

Another first? Gymnastics class is definitely something different and new for you. I was feeling a little desperate to find some kind of indoor activity during the winter months that would help you unleash that little boy energy that seemingly has no end. We love the class, you and I, but sometimes I wish it lasted several hours instead of just one. And while you may not have learned many actual gymnastic-type things (we are talking about two- and three-year-olds, after all), you have gained more confidence in trying new and daring things -- like flipping over a bar backward! -- and that has been worth every Monday trip to the activity center.

When Granmom came to visit for a whole week, I was a little afraid of her leaving and how it would affect you. There has never been a time when you didn't enjoy visits with grandparents, but you are at that age when you are missing people when they go and asking when they'll be back. We did so many new and fun things with Granmom, like visiting the Children's Museum in Memphis and going to the Buffalo Park in Tupelo. We discovered, near the end of our museum trip, the wind tunnel where you could move the airplane around with controls, and I thought I'd never be able to get you out of that chair. And feeding the goats at the Buffalo Park (where, ironically, we didn't see the buffalo because you have to pay extra for that) was easily something you could and would have done all day long. I was both surprised and not at all surprised how well you did at feeding those pygmy goats, and they acted like you were the greatest thing since sliced...goat food? the way they followed you around and even fought over who could be closer to you and nibble the treats from your little palm.

I don't know that it will ever stop being endearing the way you are more like your Daddy every day. Whatever he is doing, you want to do -- that includes the work stuff as well, like painting and building. And your sweetness and kindness, like his, shine through even on the bad days. I will take some of the credit for your being so polite and kind, but I think it is mostly Daddy's genes that made you the gentle spirit that you are. And it seems lately that you want to give me more and more hugs and kisses -- without my asking! -- and I am soaking it in like you wouldn't believe.

You had a birthday party last Saturday, and one of your little friends brought along her very new baby sister. Now, somehow along the way, you have become an avid fan of babies. You think anyone remotely smaller than you is a 'baby' and you declare them so. But you really love those tiny, new little babies. And when you see one in a carrier, you have to see it. I have actually had to take you over to tables in restaurants and say, "Um, hi...can we look at your baby? He loves babies." The baby at your birthday party had, for at least ten minutes, your complete attention. It started when I was holding her, and you came over, and out came that sweet, gentle side as you talked softly and touched her head and kissed her cheek. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, because it was hopefully a beautiful glimpse into the future of you as a protective and helpful big brother.

I don't even come close to pegging what you'll grow to like or become. Your interests range far and wide...you adore being outside, running and shouting and playing until you're spent.

You love to draw and paint and color and cut, but I have never seen so much focus until I see you building with your blocks or putting something together.

You also have a knack for picking up on subtle humor, then turning around and making your own little jokes.

Which direction will you go? All I know, Miles, is that it is so much fun watching and waiting and loving every minute with you in the meantime.

Love,

Mama