3 years ago today...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So for five months, my office had been the home for an entire world.  A world of Thomas The Tank Engine.  We had been on the lookout for a train set and finally found a great second hand one on the classifieds website.  So we bought it.  Unfortunately, it was almost a half a year until the kid's birthday so the home of the train set and the large painted plywood board with the lakes and roads on it was my office.  Which was nice.  It meant that every time I got down about the mundane parts of my job, I could look over and know the excitement and joy that awaited our little guy.

Happy Birthday, Charles!  We can't believe you're three already!  Although, it seems like you've been two forever which has been lovely because it has really felt like we've been able to enjoy the year of you being two for a long time and we are very aware that these times sweep by quicker than anyone would like.  You and Schuyler are still one of the greatest joys of our life.  You are a rambunctious kid.  You climb everything.  You charm people with your smile and say hello to almost every stranger you meet.   You throw things, empty shelves of books onto the floor, you LOVE kicking a ball around, and anything that involves running.  Pretty much anytime we ask you what you would like, you answer "CHOCOLATE!"  Recently, you've taken to giving lots of hugs and kisses which is adorable - especially when you wake us up with a big Charlie hug and a kiss on the cheek.  I can't think of a better way to way up (which is good because you are often up at 6am which is just a little bit early for your poor mum and dad).  You are going through the typical three year old stuff of crying and screaming because you aren't quite sure what's going on and how to communicate it.  You can be terribly contrary e.g. "I want to EAT!"  "OK.  Let's eat!"  "I DON"T WANT TO EAT!"  But that's all normal, so don't worry too much about it.
You are loving school and you are unusually good about concentrating on the work you are doing both at home and school.  You're a little timid at the new school with all the new friends but you're no wallflower either.
We can't wait to see the person you become and love watching you as you bloom!
We love you, Charlie, and we will always be there for you - no matter what!