Adam, you are 3!!!

Dear Adam,

There is something truly special about you. Your entire presence makes people pay attention. You are kind and gentle and take your time with your words. It’s not just your words you are careful with, it’s really everything you do, including eating… which can sometimes take forever.

You were a late talker. Our doctor told us it’s typical for the third child to talk late since your older siblings did all the communicating for you. When you finally opened up, we learned how hilarious you truly are. But it’s so much more than your humor, you have this unique quality about you that is best described as loving and kind.

This year you decided to potty-train yourself. What a dream come true for this mama! It was on a summer vacation that you decided you no longer wanted to wear diapers, when you set your mind to something you stick to it.

Also this year, your love for sharks, whales, fish, and all animals of the sea really blossomed into a true romance. You own about 10 sharks that you like to take baths with. Each and every one of them is lovingly named, “sharky”.

Your appreciation for airplanes and helicopters strengthened this year too. Your eyes are always looking toward the skies, pointing out the airplanes and asking me where I think they are traveling to. When I ask you the same question, you always answer “Disney World.”

Adam, you are so loved by your older brother and sister. When Luke is around, you play hockey with him. You let him be the Columbus Blue Jackets and you always agree to be the Pittsburg Penguins, or “the bad team”. You also play football with him and our neighbors. You dive right in with 5th and 6th graders like it’s no big deal. Adam, you also love golf, and even take a few swings with Luke’s golf coach after his lessons. Any sport Luke has his hands is your latest obsession too.

When Luke is at school and it’s just you and Eden you let her pretend you are her cat and follow her around meowing. You color with her and play baby dolls and house. You do whatever she wants. Today you are up in her room playing “hotel” … I have no idea what that means, but you guys come up with the most creative games.

When neither are around you like to entertain yourself with cars, puzzles and books. You still nap in the afternoons but only if the other two aren’t here… you still have major FOMO (fear of missing out). When both are off to school, you ask me if we can go to Bibibop EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. In fact, we catered Bibibop for your 3rd birthday and I think it was your favorite part of the day.

This year we welcomed another baby into our family, pushing you to middle child. Your dad and I were really worried about you no longer being the baby. You are such a cuddler and still slept in our room. Yow! You told us you were excited for your new sibling, but when he arrived you quickly changed your tune. There were a few days when we were concerned you wouldn’t accept your new baby brother.

After a week, that fear faded as you became obsessed with Jude. You kiss him and hold his hand and sing to him. In fact, I took a video of you singing “Hey Jude” to him a few weeks ago and it was retweeted by Ellen’s producer. That video has received more than 5,000 views. It’s adorable and it perfectly depicts your love for Jude. You call him your “Judie Pie” and always insist on seeing his eyes.

I can’t wait to see how much you grow this year. Three is such a fun age! You are becoming more opinionated on your interests.

I asked you these 15 questions yesterday and couldn’t resist sharing your answers: