Today he is 3. Yesterday (or so it seems) he was a chubby little baby resting quietly in my arms. The poor little fella rang in his birthday with a stomach virus. Ironically, he was born in the middle of the night, at 2:59 am, and this year I got the privilege (though I wasn't too thrilled about it at the time) of snuggling him at the same wee hours of the night. We weren't exactly partying, but as you parents probably know, I did gaze at him and wonder at all that has changed in 3 years, quietly celebrating him in my heart. I got to make him a "special bed" on the floor next to me and periodically drop my hand down next to him and squeeze his little chubby hand. Just like 3 years ago, I got to watch him sleep.We had to cancel his little birthday party with friends, in hopes of not sharing these germs. So when he woke up this morning and he and I were alone in the house, the others already off for the day, I got to sing Happy Birthday with his full attention and a big grin. And when he asked for candy for breakfast, I giggled and said yes. :)
Daniel, you rock my little world. You fill each day with new wonder and joy, always making up new words, making me laugh over and over again and making me stand in awe of the little person you have become.You are full of life and energy, ready to tackle or wrestle any willing (or sometimes not so willing) participants. You love any kind of ball and have recently learned to hit baseballs off the tee with surprising skill and strength.
You adore your Daddy and ask for him throughout the day, eager for him to come home and play dart wars with you and Isaiah or to build new lego towers. You recently looked at Daddy in the midst of play and said, "Daddy, you're AWESOME." I pray you continue to grow in closeness with him. He is the best Daddy I have ever seen and loves you with a love that is nothing short of spectacular and truly a gift from your Heavenly Father.
You love to eat cheese, especially any spicy variety, drink sprite (which is surprising to me b/c your siblings won't touch the stuff), and share Doritos with Daddy, and drink my coffee every morning. You love to be outside whenever possible and are relishing your new found ability to pedal a bicycle "super fast!"
And despite being so very very full of energy, you love to snuggle. Sometimes you will be in full play and suddenly seek me out for some snuggle time. You wake EVERY morning asking to be held and snuggled with all your soft blankies. You beg for me or Daddy to lay with you each night at bedtime and give extended hugs and cuddles. You even ask Isaiah and Mercy to snuggle you at times. I love this about you.
You aren't perfect. You are a rascally little boy who sometimes gets totally out of control and finds yourself in trouble. But even then, thanks to a gracious God who is gently working in your little heart, you are quick to apologize and seek forgiveness. You have a growing tenderness to wanting to please and obey the Lord. I look forward so much to watching how our Lord continues to move inside you and make you into a man after His own heart. We cling to the promises he has for you and pray faithfully for Him to captivate your heart with his unfailing, radical, life changing love. You belong to him after all and we are so very thankful that He has entrusted you to us. What a blessing to be your Mama!Happy 3rd Birthday little buddy!
