Happy 3rd Birthday Ben!

Happy 3rd birthday my sweet blue eyed boy. What a day it has been. First you met me with the biggest smile this morning just so I could be the first to wish you a happy birthday.

You had an extra special party complete with decorated tables with artwork from your friends and mommy made cupcakes. We shared a special family dinner and ended out night with a birthday book before bed.

How much you have changed in the last year. A year ago you had few words but today we have whole conversations about your day, your friends, your favorite toys. Hearing you say, "I love you mommy and daddy" makes anything that has happened that day relative. Your love is pure, unconditional, and given freely. As I have watched your personality develop over the last year, you have a empathic nature that resounds in the way interact with your friends and your family. Keep this my sweet son, even when others will expect you to be a man.

I want so many things for you: for you to enjoy a child's imagination for all your days, to always find the funny in life even if you are the only one laughing, to find deep and unrequited love with a life partner, to hear your child's first cry, experience fulfilling work that gives you purpose, and know that your life had meaning for whatever choices you make

You carry more than a generational namesake as Bennett, you are your own individual and will mature into the growing boy you are more in the coming year in ways we cannot imagine. You will start preschool this fall and I hope that we made the best choice for you as you begin your formal education. As all parents we only want to set you up for success in life by providing options. It is up to you to make it your own.

Know that you are loved, were wanted beyond reason, and that we believe in your 3 year old self even when you test us. As I look at your 3 year old face I wonder what the next year will hold for you. You no longer are the baby I once rocked to sleep, you are all sticky arms and legs.

I look at you and I see the growing boy and wonder where the last 3 years have gone. I wish for time to stand still so I can gaze at your beautiful face and remember how blessed I am to be your parent. You are my gift of ultimate goodness and light and regardless if you are ever joined by other siblings, you will simply be all my reasons to be a mom.

I love you-