Marcus - 3½

Marcus,

My sweet little buddy, it's mind boggling that we are half way to four.

Leading up to the arrival of your sister I was so worried how you would take to her. All those worries were pushed aside when you first held her. It was immediately clear how much you love her. You are constantly calling Julia *your* baby, and you are always so eager to give her sweet kisses. However, you have (wisely) steered clear of any and all diaper duties (not that I'd actually give you the chance to change those).

You are so full of spunk. Your energy blows my mind.

Snacks are your jam. If you had it your way, you'd snack all day and just skip the whole sit-down-and-eat business which we require you do three times a day. Where you get that energy is beside me. You could go for hours and hours, and fore go any meals. When you *do* eat, you always ask for mac and cheese. It is seriously your favorite food, followed closely by any type of ice cream.

Your love for being outdoors is second to none. Riding your bike and scooter, playing baseball, basketball, and swimming are your favorites. You also love to race anyone willing to say, "on your mark, get set, go!", and you have a competitive streak I can't help but love.

If we are playing inside you enjoy your Matchbox cars and Hungry Hungry Hippos.

As of late you have really gotten into painting and occasionally coloring. I attribute that newly discovered joy to preschool.

Speaking of preschool, you seem to really enjoy going. Each morning you inform me you don't want to go. But, getting you out the door and to school is never a problem. I think you just want to give me a bit of a run for my money right away in the morning (send coffee, there is never enough).

School has been so good for you. You've started with pretend play, and your imagination seems to run wild. You've also gotten really good at spelling a few words. Those words include: your own name, J-u-l-i-a, M-o-m, D-a-d, S-t-o-p, and T-r-u-c-k.

While you are the sweetest and most generous little man (generally you have no problem sharing with your friends), we very much struggle with the "threenager" stage. We have had some epic meltdowns and serious bouts of defiance. We've had our fair share of difficult days. While I love you endlessly, I can say whole heartily I do not particularly love the challenges that come with this age. But, I try not to dwell too much on our struggles, as I know all too well how fast it all goes.

Thankfully, you are quick to make many of our difficult days better. Just the other morning I was still asleep and the next thing I know I feel your presence, and I hear the softest whisper, "I love you, Mommy." It was the absolute best way to wake up.

From the get go you've been my snugly little monkey, and that hasn't changed one bit. If there's an opportunity to sit in my lap or snuggle in my bed, or yours, you are all over it. And I love every sweet second of it. Occasionally when I bury my nose in your hair I can still catch the sweet scent of baby. I'm going to miss that when it's long gone.

You reach for my hand when we walk and it is the sweetest. And, you may not know this now, but you fiercely hold on to my heart.

Happy 3½ years my sweet little boy. I can't wait to see what the rest of this year will bring us. 

Love you to the moon and back. Twice.

~Mommy