Three Years Old

My baby boy is THREE years old.  The time went so fast. When he turned two, I still felt like he was a little baby.  Now, he is a little BOY.  An amazing, super smart, super cute, fast moving, fast talking, awesomely funny little boy.

Daniel is such a fun little person to be around.  I was so nervous when he was only saying the minimal textbook “10-20 words” by age two.  But now, he speaks sentences.  He is such a deep thinker and observer.  There are times when he is quiet.  Not shy, just introspective.  He sometimes gets overwhelmed with thoughts that I can honestly see the words twirling around deep in his eyes before they escape his mouth. He will narrate the entire drive to the store by telling you about the cars, the clouds, the stop lights, and the overpasses.  He will wake up each morning and begin to talk about what he wants for breakfast or the entire plan for the day.  He will notice if I have a new shirt on by declaring, “Mama, cute shirt!” which, of course, I love.  Everyday he surprises me with his language and I love having regular conversations with him.

Bean loves books.  He will sit and “read” on the floor of his room alone.  He also adores story time with his Daddy.  He can sing the entire alphabet.  He recognizes all the “big letters” and is working on the “little letters.”  He can count to 20 (with a little help) and he knows all his colors, including grey.  He knows all the shapes and often requests for his PB&J to be cut in triangles or squares.

Speaking of food, BOY, can Daniel eat.  He just loves everything.  He is not the typical toddler who is picky or only eats “beige” foods.  Daniel will try any new food.  He requested crab and corn on the cob for his birthday dinner.  He loves all fish, chicken and beef, every fruit, and every vegetable.  He loves soup.  He loves chili. He loves every breakfast food. He asks for ketchup or mustard or salt and pepper.  He is such a little foodie.  He also loves to cook and bake and always asks to help.  He is just like his Daddy. I often wonder if I’ll see him on Top Chef one day.

Daniel is as curious as a monkey.  He will sometimes find himself in “time out” because he wants to test the boundaries.  He loves to play with his little sister.  He is so sweet when he shares, but of course there are times he wants to go it alone.  He loves to build with blocks.  He loves to play kitchen. But his passion is all things that move: his cars, his trains, and his brand new bike. 

And he is a looker.  He has big blue eyes, a great smile, and he looks oh so cute in his little polo shirts.  I know we pick out his clothes, but he wears them so well.  He actually just picked out his latest pair of sneakers all by himself.  He waltzed right up to the shelf at Stride Rite and said, “I want THESE shoes, Mama.”  And we bought them.  And they are perfect.  Just like him.