Grayson,

You’re 3-years old now, and though you’re a big brother, you’re still our little guy. You have grown more independent and out spoken. You can speak your mind and develop your own thoughts. You are growing quickly in many ways and understand everything around you, but you still need a guiding hand most of the day and we’re happy to always be there for you.  See how much has changed, yet so much remains the same!

This year our daily routine changed drastically. We bought a house minutes from where your mom grew up, and that means we left the apartment (our first home) where you lived the first two years of your life. The most difficult part about moving was walking out of your old room for the last time. We were emotionally invested in that apartment for many reasons. A main reason was caring for you as an infant.  Every night I put you to sleep after reading “Good Night Little Grayson” and two songs: “ABC’s” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”. That room meant the world to me because of you.

It may have been difficult to leave the apartment, but the joy from our new home is greater. It’s a fixer-upper and maybe when I write you next year I’ll be saying the same, but your mom and I have grand plans for this home and it’s only a matter of time. We did celebrate your birthday with a bounce house and the pool, so the move has already been a success. You have a large playroom you share with Lana, and new bedroom with a Space theme. You love the moon and we’re teaching you about the Earth, sun, and astronauts.  Here’s a video from your 3rd birthday party.

The move has also brought us closer together. We commute early in the morning – all of us – to downtown. We then spend most of the day in the downtown area so you can attend soccer and swimming lessons before we go home in the evening. It’s a good routine, long days, but we’re always together.

You’ve also started watching full movies like Zootopia and Finding Nemo. Those are your favorites. You’ve learned to swim and you’re fearless in the water. You’ve become curious about the world. You ask, “what is that” all the time, and then you remember everything we teach you. It’s often surprising when you remember weeks later the answer to your previous, “what is that.”

My hopes for you at the age of three are to keep you curious, teach you to question the world, and to reach farther into your “memory, imagination, and ideas.” That’s another phrase you’ve learned this year. “Memory, imagination, and ideas.” I’d like you to stay physically active with soccer and swimming, and always push the limits of your memory, imagination, and ideas.

Love,

Dad

Happy 3rd birthday my beautiful boy!

I might be biased but my goodness you are the funniest, happiest, smartest and sweetest three year old that ever was. But let’s back up a bit.

Right after your second birthday you started school and you thrived. You are the youngest of your class but the teachers tell us you are so smart and don’t skip a beat catching up to the older ones. I’m so proud that everyone sees the amazing little boy that you are.

Not too long after that you also became a big brother! Lana lights up around you and you are ever so protective of her. I see a special bond forming between you two and it fills my mama heart with so much joy.

You are such a happy little guy. Don’t get me wrong you can throw a tantrum like the best of them but mostly you are smiling, laughing, and overall in a good mood. In fact when you notice someone is sad or mad you always ask “Are you happy? I want you to be happy” You talk to any one and every one is your friend. You truly are my little sunshine.

You are still such a snuggle bug. You give hugs and kisses and snuggle up to whoever is close by. I hope you never outgrow being so affectionate.

Right now your favorite hobby is swimming. We’ve had you in lessons for a few months and you are a fish! You are so fearless in the water which is so terrifying since even though you are pretty good for a 3 year old – you still haven’t mastered the skill.

You love the moon and everything about space. You get so excited when you spot the moon in the sky – we even bought you a moon for your room. Speaking of rooms, you are finally in a big boy bed in your new room and you transitioned seamlessly! You always get a book and two songs before bed and right before I leave you always ask for one more. And then you ask for your daddy.

This year you have grown up so much and every single day you surprise us with your wit. I just want to freeze time with you right now because there is possibly nothing sweeter than this age. You fill our hearts with so much love and I hope you know every single day how very much we love you.

Love,

MOM