Friday, October 07, 2011

3 Years.

Eli,

Oh, how our lives changed Three Years Ago Today. I knew I loved you in those first moments that I saw you, but I never EVER knew that I could love you This Much, Eli. You bring so much joy to our lives. You have carried Mommy through many ups and downs, and I will forever be grateful for your little smile, and your giggles that melt my heart. Because. You? You are why Daddy and I are here.

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For the past month, you’ve been so excited for your birthday to come. Aunt Stacia thought it would be fun for you countdown to your birthday by taking blocks off of your bookcase each night. We started at 21 days before, and each night before bedtime we took another block down. I can only imagine how excited you’ll be come Christmas...

Counting down to his Birfday


We read lots of books, particularly before bedtime. Most nights you take on the role of negotiator. We start reading a few books, then we’ll change into our jammies and brush your teeth. Then, we usually tell you we can read One More Book. Most nights, you say, “Two more. Two more books.” Some nights, you say, “Three more. Ten more.” If it were up to you, we’d read every book in the house before bedtime. We’d definitely have to start your bedtime routine much earlier.

A couple of days ago, you told me that you were going to go upstairs and sit in your chair. I said, ok, let me come with you. You said that I had to stay downstairs, so I sat at the bottom of the stairs and listened. You picked up The Very Hungry Catepillar and started to read it to yourself... you read the entire book - and while you mixed up a few of the days, I sat downstairs completely stunned. When you were done, you came back downstairs and that was it. You’ve memorized many books and love to read them to us - but it never fails to amaze me.

This month, Mommy and Daddy celebrated our 7 year wedding anniversary by taking you to see Yo Gabba Gabba, Live! We went last year for your birthday, and Daddy and I were so excited to get you there again this year. You were much more reserved this year. There were many moments where I thought I saw panic in your face - particularly after the opening number where they shot off the confetti cannons. You eventually warmed up and really enjoyed yourself. You still talk about the time we saw DJ Lance Rock and all of his friends.

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Each Saturday, we get up and take Mommy’s picture, documenting how her belly grows. The past few weeks, as soon as I raise my shirt up, you run in and stand next to me and raise yours up as well - I LOVE it. Sadly, mine is the only one that’s getting bigger...

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You’ve really enjoyed taking pictures yourself this month. We let you play with our little point and shoot camera, and the results are awesome. I love seeing the world through your eyes. Your toys, Mommy, Daddy, everything you love. I’ve flipped through the pictures several times, and they make me smile every time.

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We took you bowling for the first time. We met with a bunch of our friends and just bowled for a couple of hours. It was so fun to watch you take the ball down to the lane and push it with all of your might towards the pins. You were so proud of yourself whenever you knocked down a pin (or more). We’ll definitely have to do it again soon.

Eli's a bowler now


Aunt Stacia came to visit you for your birthday this week. You’ve absolutely LOVED having her around. We took her to the park and the museum to see Big Bumblebee. You’re going to be broken hearted when she leaves on Monday - but thankfully Christmas is coming up soon. You’ll be so glad to see everyone then!

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I cried last night, while putting you to bed. It seems that the change from being Two to being Three is a pretty big one. I can’t believe that when people ask me how old you are, I have to say Three. It’s so bittersweet, watching you grow up. I want you to stay my baby forever, but I know that isn’t possible. So, I guess I better just enjoy it while I can...

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I love you, My Three Year Old Little Man.

Love,
Mommy

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