Caleb's 3rd birthday letter

Well Caleb, mom is almost 6 months late writing this letter for your third birthday.  Half a year ago you became a big brother, and our house exploded with joy, chaos, crying, laughter, tears, and more love than ever before.  It's taken awhile for us to get into a rhythm with our family of 6.  In the midst of our full speed schedules, and taking care of a newborn, you just kept on growing up, and loving your happy little life.

 You changed a lot in the past year. You're communicating more easily, throwing fewer tantrums, and showing us your unique personality. Through it all, your Dad and I love you very much.

You're starting to keep up with Jake and Mia. The three of you get up to all kinds of shenanigans when they are home! I took you to the park the other day for a playdate with another 3 year old, and initially you didn't even want to play. You are so used to following the lead of your older bro and sis that you struggled to think of a game. (Once I helped you get started you were ok.) You love snuggling with me, but when it comes to imagination, Jake and Mia are your favorite playmates.

 When Mia started Kindergarten last summer, you spent the first several weeks crying every day in the carpool drop off! It was sad.. but eventually you realized that this makes your VIP time with Mom and baby Logan even more special!
Speaking of Logan: watching you become a big brother was one of the most wonderful parts of welcoming him into our family. Before he was born you were extremely attached to me, would cry when I left you even for an hour, even with your dad. It was a stressful phase, and I was scared that you would feel lost after Logan arrived. Whenever we would talk about him joining our family, you would actually frown and push on my belly.

 Then he came. And you melted. You loved that little bundle so hard, I actually worried you'd smother and smush him to death! In those first weeks you wouldn't leave my side if I was holding Logan. You were super possessive of him, talked to him constantly, wanted to nuzzle his head all day. The initial intensity faded a bit once the novelty wore off, but your love has never wavered. You've never acted resentful when you colicky brother demanded my attention. For that I am so grateful.

When we found out we would be having a boy during my pregnancy, I was a little bummed at first.  I'd kinda hoped for a sister for Mia. But then he came, and I saw the connection you shared. It's clear to me that your spirits have been pals for a long time--and you've been waiting for him to get here.  Now he just needs to get bigger so the fun can really start! I'm so happy you got your friend. :)

You are very determined.  It's hard to "talk you into" something if you don't want to do it. While it can be a difficult trait right now, I suspect it'll serve you well when you are older.  (Hopefully peer pressure will be easier to resist.) I wouldn't describe you as a chatterbox. Though you've come a long way with learning to talk, and actually have a great vocabulary.. you choose not to say much a lot of the time. You do lots of shoulder shrugging, miming answers, and making hilarious facial expressions. In your quiet way, you crack us all up daily. Coming after your sister Mia (who seriously talks all day long.. kinda like me).. the contrast is strong.

Your favorite everyday things: Cars (both Mcqueen and Hotwheel), Trains (both Thomas and wooden Ikea), playing dress up with Mia, watching weird shows on Youtube Kids (I delete this app about once a week because it drives me crazy! But you always wear me down and it comes back again...), going to the Park, stopping at the corner gas station to get a slushy, going to the awesome Gym daycare with dad, going to Omi's House, and DISNEYLAND. We had annual passes in 2015, and you miss it so much. (lets be honest.. we all do!) At least once a day for the past year you'll mention "Deeeesyland" and how we need to go right now. You love watching all the videos on my phone from our trips. whenever you see a picture of Disney you'll shout "Deesyland!!! I rember dat place!!". Someday we'll get back kiddo. Someday.

Your favorite foods: Chewy Chips Ahoy cookies ("da red ones mom!"), Rolls (Pretzel or Hawaiian are your top choices), pepperoni pizza, corn dogs, pancakes (plain..you carry them around like a cookie), Eggs (you could probably eat them by the dozen), or just a big bowl of whipped cream from a can! You have a big sweet tooth, and have been known to sneak into the pantry and eat half a box of chips ahoy before dinner. (we now keep those on a high shelf...)

Biggest Shenanigan of the year:
Turning on the bathroom faucet and flooding a large portion of the upstairs in about 5 minutes. The ceiling was pouring downstairs. And this happened 3 days before your brother was born. (Nightmare at the time, but thanks to stellar homeowners insurance, we got everything repaired pretty quickly.. and we managed to get half our house repainted too....silver linings...)

Biggest Wins of the year:
Getting Tubes in your ears. Your speech improved by leaps, and you didn't get sick half as often. Lots more time for being silly and having fun!
Potty Training: This one took awhile for you. But once it clicked, you've been just awesome! You love the independence, and almost never have accidents anymore.
Becoming a big brother--such a wonderful change for you.

My favorite things about you:
Your hugs. So so cuddly.
Your super soft cheeks. I'm always a little surprised by how soft and squishy they are. I want to pinch them constantly.
Your calico hair. In the summertime it gets blonde in patches. I love that.
The way your voice gets growly when you are enthusiastic. It's such a great little boy sound.
The way you raise your eyebrows so very high sometimes. That expression makes me insane.
Your gorgeous gray/green eyes. They used to be blue--now I'm not sure what to call it. They reflect strong on whatever colors are around you. But they are big, long lashed and deep. Sometimes when we look at each other, I feel like I can look straight through them into Heaven.  Thats how I feel a lot of the time with you. In between the chaos of our busy life, I enjoy our moments of stillness. When you climb into my lap and stare at me with your big eyes and quiet demeanor, I feel calm. Your spirit is fierce and determined, quiet and steady, and so so full of potential. I'm excited to see what the coming year with you will bring. You are a unique and important part of our family, and we are lucky to have you.
Congratulations on turning 3 Caleb. I love every inch of you.