3 years ago today...

...we held this little man in our arms for the first time. We had no idea how his arrival would alter our lives, how challenging it would be to parent this little fire-cracker, or how much we would grow to love him.

Here's what we see at three (and some recent quotes):

His theology: In reference to his old tricycle. "Do you know why this is old dad?"
"No, why?"
"God made it that way."

He also said this same line about his toes.

Self-esteem: After doing a trick on his bike. "Did you see that? Im amazing!"
Yes, you are honey.

Physical growth:
Still addicted to every sport known to him. Recent favorites are ping-pong, bike-riding, swimming, skateboarding, and playing catch. Soccer, baseball, football, and basketball have not been replaced however...he remains faithful to all of them.

Not even close to potty-training. When asked if he would like to use the potty recently, he said, "Mom, I'll do that when I get bigger." We told him tonight that he had to be potty-trained in order to be on a soccer team, and it seemed to be the most motivating factor so far.

Academics:
We definately need some work in this area. We suspect he knows more letters, numbers, and colors than he lets on. We cant seem to get him to stop bouncing a ball long enough to learn them. He did "read" Goldilocks to us alound not too long ago which was pretty funny. He's also obsessed with the summer reading program at the library. Not so much for the reading itself, but for the trinkets you get when you turn in the books.

Socially:
If you like to play ball, you are an immediate friend. He's starting to play with his sister too, which is fun to see. He thinks she's just fine until she knocks over his building or stands on his drawing of Mocha.

Emotionally:
He's three. Enough said.


We see all of this and marvel at who he's becoming. We're frightened by it at times I'll admit, but mostly we marvel. There are few brief moments when he slows down long enough to say something sweet, or to give us a hug. To hear him pray or sing is golden. We wonder what God will use his strong will to accomplish in this world, and we pray for the grace to help guide it.

Happy birthday J.