The Big Three

October 2002

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October 2003

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October 2004

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October 2005

Dear Owen,

Today you are three years old. Today is a good day.

At three, it is impossible for me to document your skills. You are so smart, learning so much, I can't keep up. Your interests are varied, your thoughts are getting deeper, your vocabulary is exploding. You are amazing. Here are a few things I can write down for posterity - at three, you:

• know your ABC's, count to 10, know all colors and basic shapes.
• spell your name, and 7 to 10 other words.
• are very close to being completely potty-trained.
• love artwork, projects, crafts, especially coloring.
• also love toys - boy stuff, like cars and balls.
• hate having your teeth brushed. HATE IT!
• sleep in your big boy bed, for about 11 hours each night.
• still take a mid-morning nap, about an hour and a half per day.
• are starting to really enjoy your brother.
• know a million songs, and make up at least a million each day.
• know left and right, and some opposites.
• are a very picky eater. Some days I swear you exist on love alone.
• weigh about 38 pounds, and are 3 feet tall.
• are learning to ride a tricycle.
• call all fast food places "Ronald McDonald's."
• are starting to figure out how to talk on the phone.
• have an amazing memory, and remember people and places from long ago.
• are starting to grasp deeper concepts, like where things come from, the changes in nature and weather, etc.
• say, "You're the best cooker, Mom," when you like whatever I've made for you to eat, followed immediately by, "I really love you!"
• tell Daddy or me on a daily basis, "You are my best friend, right?"
• answer to any of the following: Owen, Bub, Buddy, Monk, Mink, Minkus, Pup, Gorge.

And so much more that I'm forgetting right now. You speak in sentences, paragraphs, narratives, soliloquies. You love books; you'll be reading so soon. I can go on and on about how bright you are, creative and funny. And gorgeous - oh my word, you are so beautiful. The eyes, always the eyes, but the nose, the lips, the hands, the one freckle on your shoulder, your new freckles across your nose. I have you memorized, that's for sure.

I am so excited to celebrate you today, my big boy. What would each day be without you to snuggle with and dance with and learn with? I am so blessed, more than a written word can get across, and so I tell you again: I love you, Monk. You are Mom's best friend, right?

Mommy