Benjamin: Three Years Old!

Dear Benjamin Willys,

This past week you turned THREE years old.  Three.  I know in 15 years from now, you'll think I'm such a dorky mom for thinking that this is such a big deal, but trust me, it is! Because one year ago, you were a totally different human being.  These days, you don't seem like a baby, or even toddler, at all! It's both sad and extremely awesome.

These days, you fill your time with talking, talking and more TALKING, playing with cars and trains, talking to and playing with Monkey (your bff), singing songs (often to your sister), trying to trick people (mainly me or your dad) into playing with you, playing soccer, playing baseball (and knowing how to hit, run bases, and call people "safe" or "out" with the accompanying hand motions), "shopping" in the basement, hanging out with your buddies (and having hilarious conversations all the while), sleeping in real people beds (hello twin size!), being totally potty trained for almost 8 months (hallelujah), wearing tattoos, watching/talking about/singing Frozen, riding your Strider like a daredevil (you got a real bike for Christmas!), doing puzzles, eating your vegetables (when you eat at all, which doesn't usually happen without serious cajoling or bartering), rationalizing with us to get your way, asking to watch a show at least ten times a day, requesting and dancing to "Shake It Off", doing any and everything with Adele, stalling bedtime with requests for more songs/water/potty/another book/monkey, saying "Guess what, Mom. I love you.", oh, and lots of things that drive your mom and dad crazy (whining, bossing, saying no, etc.).

But the truth of the matter is that you have brought SO much joy into our home and our lives. Your smile lights up a room, your hair is the envy (and talking point) of everyone we meet, your laughter is infectious, your hugs are warm and cozy, the words "I love you" melt my heart when they come out of your mouth, and you are a kind soul always caring about your buddies.  And most importantly, I know that you are already an amazing big brother to your little sister.  Your mom and dad have not had an easy few months since she's arrived but have thanked God for how wonderful you've been through it all.  Don't get me wrong, you like to push our buttons and disobey us, but more often than not, you are kind, caring, loving, and fun, even in the middle of chaos.  There are moments I feel so certain that God sent you to us for this very reason.  Your eyes are full of so much love and joy, and they can make any tough day better.  Your sister already loves you so much, and I know that love will only continue to grow.  We are SO thankful that you are her big brother.  When you bring her toys or sing to her to try to make her happy, I catch a glimpse of what you'll be like walking with her to elementary school or teaching her how to play with legos.  You have a forever friend in her, as she does in you.  What a blessing!

Favorite things....

...to say:
"It could be pretty funny!"
"I smell something."
"Because that's what people do." (Your answer to almost every time we ask you "WHY did you do that?!")
"Guess what, I love you."
"Do you want to come join me?"
"Womp Womp!"
Naming things very literally: Your new rock friend, "Rocky". Your new balloon friend, "Ballooney." Your new leaf friend, "Leafy". Your new eyepatch for the pirate costume, "Eyepatchy". Our new rug, "I love you new ruggy!"

...to play:
Make-believe games with Monkey or various cars (and now Buzz Lightyear)
Make-believe games with your made-up, semi-evil, train/monster "Monjachoochoo"
Races with cars and trains
Soccer (you just started classes at Lil Kickers and LOVE it!)
Baseball
Volleyball
Shopping (i.e. putting all your toys into a big basket...super fun to clean up)
Racing anyone anywhere
Dressing up as a pirate (or anything really)

...to sing:
"Jesus Loves Me"
Everton's club song
ALL Christmas songs (particularly Away In A Manger, Jingle Bells, and Silent Night)
ABC's (and "God's ABCs")
Songs from Frozen
"Everything is awesome!"

...to request:
"Shake it Off" or other songs by "Tayor Swiff"
"Here Comes The Sun"
"Bob The Tomato" (i.e. anything by the VeggieTales)
"The Hey Ho" Song (i.e. "Pompeii" by Bastille)
"Boom Clap"

...to eat:
Qdoba (hands down)

...best buddies:
Adele is your best bud (and likely future girlfriend?)
Noah & Fisher
Neighbor buddies!
Boaz & Emme who moved far, far away (insert cry)
Mimi
All of your Aunts and Uncles

...shows:
Bubble Guppies
Daniel Tiger
Dino Train
Curious George
Chip & Dale
Mickey Mouse
Doc McStuffins

...movies:
Cars
Frozen
Lego Movie (mostly because dad likes it so much)
Elf
Little Mermaid

Stats: 50th percentile for weight, 10th percentile for height! Guess basketball may not be in your future ;)

Since I didn't really do updates for you throughout the year, here are a few photos from each month to see how you grew.  Thank you for being such an awesome kiddo, even though your world was turned upside down when you lost the title of only child and gained the new one of "BIG BROTHER".  We love you Benjamin Willys!

Oh, and pics from your birthday week (including a trip to Casa Bonita!!) are here.

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER