Three

Dear Jackson,

You are three today! 

I'm still having a hard time figuring out where the time has gone.  Though in my heart you will always be my baby, there is no baby left in you.  You are a boy now.

You talk up a storm.  In fact, sometimes it's hard for Daddy & I to get a word in.  You are without a doubt the funniest person I know.  You're so independent.  You like to choose your own outfit (your cowboy boots & cowboy hat - or any hat for that matter - are your current favorites) and dress yourself.  You help take care of your "best friend" Ruby by feeding her and letting her outside.  You are a good listener and whenever Daddy or I have to start counting we rarely get all the way to 3.  You don't miss a thing.  I'm amazed every day at the conversations you remember and the behaviors you mimic.

Sports are still your favorite thing.  You love to play football in the yard with Daddy or shoot hoops in the basement.  Music is a close second.  You're a die hard country fan and are always pretending to play guitar or tapping your feet to a song.  You also like to help me cook and bake (although, most of the time it's so you can sneak bites and lick the beaters...I'm on to you!)  You're starting to enjoy watching movies and remain a faithful fan of Mickey Mouse.

You are your Daddy's son.  If I had a dollar for every time you said, "Just like Dad!" your college would be paid for.  (Note from Daddy:  Will you please give him a week or so notice when you decide he is no longer the coolest guy you know.  That day will come and he'll need some time to prepare.) 

Since the day you arrived I've thought to myself, "it doesn't get any better than this".  But every day it does.  You are my motivation, my inspiration, an endless source of entertainment and my greatest gift.  I can't wait to see what you have in store for us next!

Happy Third Birthday, Monkey.

Love,

Mommy