Dear Sammy,
Happy Birthday to our sweet little three-year-old! One of your teachers asked you how it felt to be three, and you said it felt “soft.” I’m not sure exactly what you meant by that – comfortable? content? Not hard? You were smiling when you said it and when I ask you if you like being three you always say that you do.
This has been a big year for you. You’re reaching out more into the world – meeting new friends, doing new things, moving into new “big boy” roles. You’ve started school and just love being one of the kids in the classroom. You’re making new friends, learning new tasks and revel in new-found independence. It’s a wonderful to watch your confidence and you’re going into new experiences and finding success.
You’re a busy guy – usually on the go. You’re not so much a watcher as a do-er. If you’re outside you’re engaging with everything – touching every plant, running your fingers through the dirt, climbing on the rocks, testing testing testing. How does it feel? How does it smell? How does it taste? You’ve become a little scientist who always want to gain the answer to questions.
Your scientific discovery has lead you to bugs and animals as your new favorite topics. Any time you’re outside, you’re looking for spiders, ants, worms, centipedes, caterpillars, slugs and snails. For your birthday party we arranged for a Ladybug Walk, which is an event that Portland Parks and Rec does. A naturalist lead a group of you and your friends on a “hike” in the park looking for bugs. You found several bugs, touched moss and lichen, dug in the mud and generally had a wonderful time.
This year you became a “big cousin” when baby Frederic was born. You are the proudest big cousin that’s ever been seen. When Freddy is around then you are close by him – asking to hold him, talking to him, snuggling him and handing him toys. Your sweetness and kindness with the baby has warmed the hearts of the family.
We’re watching to see what the next year brings you. You are the heart of our family and lead us on new adventures. Your thoughtful contemplation is a reminder to all of us to slow down and watch life’s details.
Lots of love to our wonderful little Sammy-Boy!
Your loving Mama