To Beau, On Your 3rd Birthday

My precious Beau Elias: Today you are turning three - and again I find myself wondering how that is possible?! This year has been such a year of growth and change for you. You went to Thursday school for the first time, got potty trained, and became a BIG brother! The leaps and bounds by which you have moved this year just astounds your dad and me. You talk so plainly and we often get compliments on how clearly people can understand you, as well as how polite and well-mannered you are. It's so neat for me to be able to sit and have conversations with you - and I'm so thankful you'll have them with me! Sometimes, when playing or taking a walk outside, you'll ask if we can just "sit and talk." I treasure those moments with you because in those times, you allow me to see the world through your eyes. You are so smart! I started doing some simple lessons with you this year in regards to letter recognition, counting, colors, and Bible. You now can recognize almost every letter in the alphabet (you have a hard time occasionally with the letter D), can count to 20, know all your colors, and know FAR more in regards to the Bible than I knew at your age. You're actually so quick to catch on that your dad and I have had to look at lessons to challenge you because you seemed bored with most Bible lessons tailored to your age. It amazes us to see you learn so much about your Bible, but we're even prouder when we see you using what you learn in life situations or connect people's names to characters in the Bible. You are wonderful at reminding us to pray at mealtime and you and I always pray a blessing over you before you go to sleep - I think you really like hearing that each night. :) You started going to school once a week this year and did terrific! I think we were a little hesitant at first since it was always you and me, but you seemed to really blossom socially this year, and I think we attribute a good portion of that to putting you with other children during the week. You even made friends on your own, which is something that completely caught us by surprise. It was such a joy to hear you tell me about your days at school and mention the other children in your class and hear you call them your friends - although you're such a sweet buddy, it really should come as no surprise how people would want to be your friend. Just 12 days ago, you became a big brother! Your sister Cora Fair was born on the 15th of this month, so much of being two for you was wrapped up in Mommy's pregnancy. I want you to know how wonderfully you handled it, especially since I didn't feel well often with this pregnancy. There would be times where I needed to lay in bed and you would be so agreeable to that, and would grab books out of your playroom and hop in bed with me and read - I want you to know I'm so thankful for your attitude in those moments. You've been the best big brother and completely adore your sister. You'll sit and watch her and it seems as if she's the only thing in the world to you. You love giving her sugars and hate seeing her cry. Many times you'll ask us if she's crying because she misses you and run over and kiss her and tell her you're there. We see how loving you are and how God has put such a tenderness in your spirit. You've had your moments of frustration with Daddy and I in all the newness and have even thrown a toy or two (to which you were immediately disciplined), but after hearing the toy hit your sister, would fall apart and just sob. In those times your dad and I see just how much you care for her, that it breaks your heart to think of her being hurt - I pray that fierce dedication to her well-being will permeate your relationship throughout both of your lives. As with this age, there have been hard moments. With greater communication sometimes comes greater resistance. Daddy and I have really had to increase our awareness of discipline with you. You're a stubborn child (although your dad and I both are as well, so you just didn't have a chance), so often our discipline with you comes down to your unwillingness to let go of an issue. You're a tender soul, so often it just takes some firm talking out of what's wrong in the situation and taking it to a scriptural point and then "making it right." However, sometimes a spanking is required. No matter how we discipline you, we always end with a hug and reaffirming our love for you. I think you count on this, as it seems to help you feel reassurance that our discipline is not based in anger, but in love for you and your soul. Beau Elias, you bring so much joy to me. You are my first-born, my son, my "Beauster." I thank God for allowing me to be your mother and can't wait to see what three holds in store for you. No matter what, I pray you will seek His kingdom and His will for your life - you were made by Him and for Him, never forget that. I loved you yesterday, I love you today, I will love you always. Love, Mom