To Miles on Your 3rd Birthday

Dear Miles,

Today you are 3 years old. Like last year and the year before: you fill each and every day with joy. You’ve been our smiley, happy little guy since you were born and this year you’ve grown into the silliest member of the family. You make us all laugh every day.

Time is flying by and perhaps in fear of the speed of time, I’ve slowed down this year. It only took me 4 toddlers to learn that the terrible two’s are not really terrible. Sometimes you just need to snuggle on the couch and soak in the best parts of the two’s to make up for the tantrum times. We had a few big adventures this past year: you spent a month in Italy and last month you learned to ski. You have no problem keeping up with your older siblings and you also have no problem letting them all baby you and carry you around. Miles and all your smiles, here’s a bit about you at this moment in time:

You are funny. You are so very funny and you know it. You know how to make us laugh. I’ve seen you be pretty silly at school and on the playground to make other kids laugh too. Your siblings were all quite a bit quieter in preschool, so this is new for us to watch. Your dance moves are funny as are your attempts at joke telling. You know you can make any of your siblings laugh by yelling poopie… so you yell it more than you should. Stay funny Miles, it keeps us all smiling.

You are feisty. You are the funniest member of the family and also the most feisty. You hold your own, you tell us exactly what you want and don’t want. You are often called boss baby and have perfected the folded arms with the loudest “hmph” sound around.

You are smart. You like counting and letters. Your favorite letter is Q. You love talking about shapes and tell me each and every detail about school. You ask every morning “I have school?” when the girls are getting ready and every Monday & Wednesday when I say “yes” you cry and say you want to stay with me. Then, when we arrive at school you march in the door and love it.

You are wild and crazy. Miles, you never stop moving, climbing and jumping. You don’t like being in a stroller or shopping cart because you always want to move around. In Italy you were wild and crazy in the museums and during a children’s program, the guide kept repeating “come back Milo, no Milo” and so your wild name was born… Now whenever you’re being extra crazy we call you Milo.

You are loved. As the baby of the family, you are always carried around. If it’s not me or Dad carrying you, one of your sisters is. Mom and Dad had a strict “sleep in your own bed” rule that has been worn down more and more with each baby and you sleep with us pretty much every night. We love snuggling you. Your sisters adore you and must hug and kiss you a million times a day. Your brother is your best pal and never wants to leave your side.