September 2013: 36 months (3 years)

Dear Patrick,

• On 9/7, your father and I took you to the Saturday Market on Main Street.  You walked between us, holding both our hands.  At one point you said, quite innocently, “When I was a little boy…” and I laughed so hard at the choice of words that I have no idea what you were going to say next.  I know you are almost three, but you are still (and will always be) my little boy.
• At the Market that same day, we heard a voice yell, “Hey Patrick!”  It was Rivers Whitehead, who noticed you through the large crowd from his stroller.  Fast-forward ten years and Rivers just as easily could have said, “Yo, dude - great to see you...wanna shoot hoops later?”  I honestly had to pinch myself and make sure you weren’t a teenager.
• You moved up to the older class at Overbrook with new teachers this month.  You went to school on Monday 9/9 with “big boy” pull-ups and you were so excited to show everyone your underwear.  A week later, you were in real underwear all day, and its been this way ever since.  
• A “banana line” is what you call a whole banana, as opposed to cut-up into small pieces.  (You use this term for a hot dog too.)  The other day you asked for a banana line and I started to peel the banana in front of you but when I was halfway done, you burst into tears because you wanted the skin back on.  I hugged you tight and told you it was gonna be ok.  May the biggest problem you have in life be a banana line.
• This month we’ve noticed a few more tantrums than normal. Apparently with age, comes more will-power.
• We signed you up for your first organized sport this month: soccer, which meets every Tuesday through October.  Coach Cameron has all the players do real drills - its impressive.  And you are really good!  You did say that when you got tired, the ball made a good seat.
• After watching Cinderella, you told me that we should get married.  A few days later, you put a strand of beads around my neck and said that I “could wear these at our wedding.”  My heart is melting.
• Saturday 9/14 was the FIRST time that you ever climbed out of your crib on your own.  I just don’t think you ever had the desire to ever try till now.  That morning you were just standing in the middle of the room when we opened the door.
• A fireman, who you met outside of Publix with your father on 9/15, gave you a plastic fireman’s hat, and you came running into the house - very proud - to show me.  You told me I could wear your hat, but when I put it on my head, it was a little snug.  So, you assured me that “when I get little,” it will fit.  In this same vein, you told your dad, “you’re not a little boy yet - you’re just a daddy” to explain why he couldn’t go down the slide at the park.  I love that. Benjamin Button style.  
• You “do voices” now when you play.  A mouse will have a high voice or a car may have a deep voice and you can stay in character a long time.  
• Your father and Pop went to Spain this month and Omi came to stay with us in Greenville for five days which was so much fun!  Your father’s Spain trip came right on the heels of a big job change for him, which made for an exciting month.  
• Aunt Jen and cousin Jack came to visit for an hour on Saturday 9/21 before driving home to Bham. I got a few photos of you two together (despite protests), but you & Jack will thank your moms for our efforts when you are older.
• You’ve done really well with potty training - skittles in a clear, plastic tub in the bathroom are key. You did, however, have one “accident” when you decided to pee in the hallway - not five feet from your actual potty, and I thought to myself, “why?”  Its sort of like when your father throws his dirty clothes next to the hamper.  Really..? Just so close.
• On Friday 9/27, your father and I brought cake-pops (great idea from your dad by the way!) to share with your class at school and sing you an early happy birthday!  You felt really special and said as you pointed to yourself, “Its my birthday.”
• You received a singing hamster card from Katie and Sonny that you now carry with you everywhere.  “Dee da dee da dee da dee doooh” has become a bit of your theme song.  
• One Sunday before bedtime, you watched “Curious George” (as you do most nights), but this particular evening you sat on the living room couch squished between your father and me -- all three of us piled together in what was essentially one large group hug.  No one talked; we just sat focused on the thirty minute episode with arms and legs happily tangled.  And I was reminded, in that simple moment, what a lucky family we are to have each other, to really enjoy each other as individuals, and to appreciate one another in ways that I know are special. Your world is a good one, Patrick.  And our lives are so amazing because of you.  Thank you.

 Happy THIRD birthday, my love.