Happy 3rd Birthday, AJ!

My dearest AJ,

Wow...you are THREE now! I know I have said that when you turned 1 and 2--and I may continue to say that every year. As cliche as it sounds, it is really true--time goes by so fast when you are having fun.

I remember May 30th three years ago. I remember it like it was just yesterday. I remember your dad doing push-ups between pushes because he had to exert the extra energy building up inside of him. I remember how he said, "wow", as he saw your head getting closer to delivering. I still feel that intense motivation hearing that word--I wanted so badly to meet you. Within minutes you were on my chest looking at me and you were simply the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. You lifted your head--not bad for a 5 minute old baby!--and looked around the room. Knowing how you are now, it makes sense that you did that. You are such a curious little boy.

Seeing you grow into what you are at three has been the most incredible thing to witness. All of the milestones--from rolling over to crawling to walking to going potty has just been so amazing to watch. I see so much of me in you--the stubborness, the determination, the need for it NOW. I see so much of daddy in you too--your playfulness, your tough boy attitude, your charm. You are so loving to everyone in your life. You know how to make a bad day good and how to really melt my heart. All you have to do is say, "I love you Mommy" with those big blue eyes and you have me wrapped around your finger. Daddy gets mad at me sometimes because I can't help but give you what you want when you are being such a cute little boy--but that is why he is here, to be the bad cop (because I love being the good cop!).

I wish I could push the pause button on the remote of life. It kills me that you are getting older. I have loved every single moment with you--even the sleepless nights (oh and how many there were). Of course it has been hard being a mommy sometimes--but you make it more then worth it. I don't want you to grow up, I want you to just stay my little boy forever and ever. But, I know that can't happen. I am excited for your future, but can't help but to be sad leaving phases behind us. I just want to soak up every moment with you--I know I will blink and you will be graduating, getting married, and having children of your own. We just have to enjoy our time together now.

This year is going to be a big year for you. You are going to become a BIG BROTHER! You are so excited about becoming a big brother. You tell me that he won't have any teeth, he only gets to drink mommy's milk, and that you are going to kiss him when he is crying. I'm sure your brother and you will butt heads plenty of times over the years--but I'm confident that you will shower him with love and always have his back. That is how you are, loving and protective.

Thank you AJ for everything you have given Mommy and Daddy. We are so blessed to have you in our life. We love you more then anything in the entire world. Happy Birthday my little Monkey.