happy birthday sweet darlin'

Dear Thomas,

Yesterday was your third birthday- you are sure becoming a big boy. You are hoping that with this birthday you will be as big as your brother Henry and your friends Graham and Mitchell. I hate to tell you that those boys all keep getting older too, and you will never catch them!

Two was a very fun year, and I think three will be even better. This year you learned to use the potty, learned to do a forward roll in gymnastics, started sleeping in a big boy bed, and did a lot of superhero play fighting.
You are becoming very aware of emotions and are learning to communicate your feelings in ways other than screaming and crying (although you still do your fair share of that; you're only 3 after all). You often surprise me by saying "mommy, are you getting a little bit mad?" I don't expect you to read my body language and sighs so well (the other people in the family often don't!) But of course, it's to your benefit to detect when I am grumpy and try to make me happy instead.

You are quite a good talker- so much so that I have to remind you that certain other children aren't babies; they are actually your age, but just can't speak as well as you can! You do get hung up on particularly tough words, like accident and hospital, but don't we all?

You currently like to wear shorts at all times (earlier in the year it was costumes) and change your clothes several times a day. Wearing shorts is actually the privilege that I take away from you when you need to be disciplined. What will I do for a threat in the summer?

You are just a really great kid. I worry a lot about comparing you and your brother, but I do want to say that, at least partially because of him, I find so much joy in your imagination and your easy confidence. And your measly tantrums are a breeze- I can handle them with one hand behind my back. (Or one hand holding on to your brother.)

I think you have been really good for him; one day last week I went in to wake him up and found him in bed with you! And I delight in hearing your little conversations in the back seat: "Tommy, can I please look at that?" "OK Henry, but don't mess it up." "OK, I won't. Thank you Tommy." "You're weltome."

This is one of your favorite outfits of all time. The Halloween shirt says "Here Comes Trouble". You think the monsters on it are superheroes, I guess because they are wearing capes.

Yesterday you received a few different kinds of blasters, a tool belt, and some play-dough, among other gifts. And since there was no mail delivery yesterday, I suspect you'll get more in the mail as the week goes on.

We took Spiderman stickers to gymnastics class last night too. What a fun day!

You make me feel very happy Thomas. I tell you that a lot, but I don't want you to ever forget it.

Love,
Mommy