birthday.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Dear Ethan,

3 years, bud. And I'm not crazy yet. Well, maybe a little. You are so infuriating but then you go and do something totally cute and melt my heart and I make it through one more day. This year has been a big year for changes in your life - most notably, becoming a big brother. And with a few exceptions, you've been a fabulous big brother. You're such a good helper when you want to be, and when you think I'm not looking, I see how sweet you are to him. I know he's not a whole lot of fun now, but he will be, quicker than we all think. And then he's going to pay you back for all the times you've beat on him, and I'm just going to laugh and say I told you so. :)

You constantly amaze me with how smart you are. Every 5 minutes you're asking me what different words are, or what number somebody is, or why we do something or why something is the way it is. I can almost see the wheels turning in your head when you're trying to figure something out, and the look you get on your face when you finally do is priceless. I love how excited you get about the smallest things - a new car-car, reading a word, going to the park, playing with friends. And it's so cute how every other kid, everywhere we go, is your friend. I hope you always make friends so easily.

I know I get upset with you a lot, and I know it's been hard for you to not have my full attention anymore. But I promise that it'll get easier as we go along. Even the best boys have their moments of insanity, and you're definitely one of the best boys in my life (your brother and daddy share that honor with you). I thank my lucky stars every day that I get to wake up and make your waffle and banana and get you some juice and milk and water and juice and milk and milk and water and juice. Did I mention that you're very indecisive?

I love you, goofball. From your always messy hair, to your sticky cheeks, and your big round belly and cute little butt, to your always dirty feet. What would my life be without you to exasperate me and make me laugh and make me cry and make my heart fill up with so much love it almost bursts? Happy, happy birthday, my big 3 year old love. Be a good boy this year, and eat your vegetables, and don't hit your brother. No, really, don't hit your brother. I really mean it. Do it again and you're going to time out. ETHAN!

All my love,
Momma



P.S. I don't know what it is about you and New York, kid. You spent your first birthday there, and today was the last game ever played at Yankee Stadium. Somehow I think NYC is going to play a big part in your life.