Three.

Dear Jack,

Happy Happy Happy Third Birthday!

You've had a great, full, busy year of growing and have come a long way in the last 12 months. You have a huge personality and are such a charmer; you make friends where ever you go. Over the last year your vocabulary has soared and you speak in long sentences, always telling stories. You are also quick to mimic your sister in whatever she is saying and doing and are forever wanting to be 6 like her.

But today you are three. You love trucks and tools and dirt and mud. You're active and loud and crazy and fun. You play dress up and doggies and puzzles and playdoh. You love balloons and books and baseball.

At 3, you have discovered Thomas the Train, Dora, Handy Manny, Bob the Builder, Yo Gabba Gabba and, your favourite, Caillou. One of our traditions is to snuggle in Mommy's bed most mornings watching cartoons until it is an acceptable time to get up for the day...because you are also an early riser! I love these early moments with you though, the quiet before the chaos, where you lay beside me, your face inches away from mine, most often holding my hand and whispering at least a half dozen times "Mommy, I wub you berry much!"

One of your big accomplishments this year was making the transition from diapers to underwear. After a couple of false starts, once you figured it out you didn't take long at all to master the concept. Although I must admit, most of the credit goes to Jodi. You sure do love your Jodi.

You also made the transition this year to a big boy bed and have done very well with that as well.

You are incredibly independent and insist on doing most things on your own. Once you set your mind to something there is not much we can do to deter you. Your current obsession is colouring. You cannot go a day without spending time colouring. You are meticulous about it, working very hard to stay within the lines, even though no one has ever told you to. Carrying you down our icy front steps when you would rather walk can bring our day to a halt before it even begins.

You have a sense of humour and charm the socks off of all of your grandparents, aunts and uncles. Your cousins Lauren and Quinn adore and love to mother you. You make it very difficult for anyone to stay mad at you for long.

You are perceptive and notice people's feelings. You like to keep your eye on them and are always relieved when they are "happy" again.

You made your first real friend this year, another boy your age named Gerry. I have really enjoyed watching this friendship grow and develop between such little boys. During this time you have really started talking about "best friends", always telling people that they are your best friend. And when you are angry, you're also quick to announce that they are NOT your best friend anymore!

One of your favourite things to do is help out in the kitchen. As soon as you realize we are cooking you drag a chair across the floor, ask "what do we need next?" and can't wait to start stirring.

Another favourite thing of yours is our tradition of going to playgroup together on Friday mornings. Once you realize on Thursday nights that I do not have to work the next morning, you begin to talk about playgroup, and all the things you can't wait to tell Kelly. Before we leave playgroup you always make sure you give Kelly a big hug, sometimes even going back for a second one after you have your coat and boots on. It melts her heart...quite the ladies man you already are.

There is lots in store for you in the next year. 3 means swimming lessons, learning how to ice skate, write your name and maybe even ride a tricycle. Or an airplane. So much more is in store for you this year and we'll embrace it all, one step at a time.

You eat like a bird and are still such a little guy compared to some others your age. But your spirit is mighty, undeniable and unmistakable.

You have enriched all of our lives so much and those lucky enough to know you well know what a treasure you are. You make me smile, make me laugh, make me cry and make me crazy. You are my Jack, my little boy who is only 3, but already 3. 3 will be a big year and I look forward to all that's in store for you, and for us.

I wub you berry much Mr. Man.

Love Mommy

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Just for kicks, here is Jack's birth story, the letter we wrote for his Second Birthday, (I wasn't blogging much during his first year or around his first birthday, but that letter IS in his scrapbook) and my feelings on why you should write birthday letters to your children.