Marshall is 3

Dear Little Buddy,

You turned three yesterday.  I couldn't help myself from pulling out your baby photo book and looking back at old videos.  How can it be that you are growing up so quickly?  You have become such a young boy this year.  You are happiest when you are entrenched in some sort of project with one on one attention from someone you love - whether that be in the garage with dad or at the kitchen table making art with mom.  You are full of your own coined phrases and words that I know we will miss hearing someday.  Your "L's" still come out as a "w" and it is just too cute for words. 

You are caring, loving, and oh-so-lovable.  You sleep pretty well these days...but in recent months you've managed to sneak into our bed in the middle of the night several times/week.  I'm pretty sure it is because you know you can get a good snuggle without having it interrupted by someone else's needs.  We rarely turn you away because, shhhh, don't tell anyone - but we like it! 

It has been a big year for you, especially when you became a big brother.  You adjusted better than we could have hoped.  You love to help bathe your sister and help us take care of her.  You are the first to comment on a new outfit or hair bow she is wearing with an "Aaawwwww! She looks so cute!"  Of course, you are not a fan of having to share attention with her ALL the time.  You'll often order dad to "put her back in mommy's arms".  Your quest for independence continues to challenge us everyday.  I guess it is just part of being a three year old.  When you have upset us, you sheepishly ask, "Are you happy?"  We know you just want to make us proud.

Your favorite place to be is right here at home.  You sometimes beg to stay in your pj's and "just play toys".   That makes us smile.  We have to imagine you love to be at home so much because we have made it a happy and loving place for you. 

You started pre-school this week.  You are the youngest kid in the class because we started you in the middle of the school year in the 3 year old class.  I'm not worried though, you are smart way beyond your years.  You speak like you are a five year old and love learning new things.  You have a memory that is so good that worries us!  We can't get away with any mistakes on our part.   Most people can't believe you are only three!

Marshall Barry, our sweet first-born, you made me a Mommy and your dad a Daddy.  You came into this world and flipped ours upside-down in the best ways imaginable.  We learn and grow and celebrate with you every day.  You will never know how much we love you...until you have one of your own, of course.  Happy 3rd Birthday!

Testing out his new balance bike...er, "motorcycle"