It’s hard to believe how fast this past year with you flew by.  It seems like only yesterday we were blowing out the candles on your cake together as we geared up for your very first visit to the cottage.

So many firsts.  So many blurred memories.  So much learned.

Our first family all-inclusive beach vacation.  You LOVED playing in the ocean waves and chasing your dear friend Quincy around everywhere.

Your first monster jam truck rally.  It was a life altering experience for you, and all you wanted to do was re-create the event again and again on the living room floor every night.

Your first full sentences.  The first time you made me REALLY laugh because you “told a joke” (even though you didn’t necessary realize it was a joke); the first time you paid me a compliment (“mom, I really like your earrings today”), the first time you offered me some criticism (“mom, your hair looks like butter; I don’t like the strings”)

The first time you peed all by yourself, after a solid week of me doubting myself about this whole potty-training thing: had we pushed you to potty train too soon? Will I seriously have to give you stickers every single time you make a bowel movement until I send you off to college?

Your first day of preschool.  You didn’t shed a tear or miss a beat and you were SO excited for your routine, new friends, new TOYS.  I was so proud of you.

Your first cousin.

Our first totally public, totally confined epic toddler melt down (inside an airplane, for approximately 20 minutes).

The longest time you and I have been apart in 3 years, and the longest distance by thousands of miles.  That was a long 9 days away from you and Dubai is a very very far ways away.

Your first time requesting a specific song to be played (Footloose.  It’s always Footloose)

The first time you sang…..like REALLY SANG…a full song in its entirety!  You started with ABC and as we moved through your second year, row row row your boat, the Robo Car Poli theme song (thanks, Netflix), and Twinkle Twinkle, have all been added to your rotation.

Your first time truly saying good-bye, to our amazing nanny, Amber.

The first time you saw that I was crying, and recognized and understood that I was upset, when a dear friends’ daughter left this world way too soon.  I struggled to find a simple way of explaining the tragedy to you.

Your first time sleeping in a “big boy bed”.

Your first time taking off your shoes, socks, hat, and coat…all by yourself.

Your first time becoming our in-home barista, mastering the art of the Nespresso Coffee.

Your first organized sport, playing soccer with Little kickers.

Your first sleepover, which involved actually sleeping in the SAME ROOM as another toddler!  Winning!

The first time you demanded independence.

The first time you refused to hold my hand.

The first time you negotiated with us.

The first time you tried to articulate your feelings with words.

The first time you “read” (memorized) a book.  First favorite = The Giving Tree

The first time you swam in Clear Lake.

Your first ice cream, scooter ride, balance bike-ride, ride in an excavator and flight outside of North America.

And yet, within a flurry of firsts, there were also so many last times….these I find so hard to pinpoint.  When was the last time I picked you up without worrying about my back?  When did you stop calling me ‘mama’ and instead start calling me “mum”?   When did I stop singing the “good morning” song to you each day?  The past year is starting to melt together with the year prior.  Those small, precious memories are already slipping into the back of my memory bank — this is the most difficult part about accepting that you are now another year older.

But, do you want to know something?  It keeps getting better.  That first year with you….boy…..I wasn’t so sure.

I wasn’t sure it was ever going to get better.  There were some tough days, weeks and months.

But, now you are 3.

I love the boy that you are becoming.  I love to laugh with you, play with you and sing with you.  I love to watch your curious mind working at 5,000 miles an hour.  I love to sneak in and tuck you in and give you a kiss good-night before resting my head on the pillow after a long day.  I love reading to you…your attention span is unbelievable.

I love to watch you grow.

I love you more today than yesterday.  But not as much as tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, my love.