Dear Julian,
It’s been three years since you made your surprise entrance into my world, dancing your way into our lives and into my heart.
You’re such a sweet child. I love watching you and Ava play together and hearing you tell her that you love her. You don’t always get along and you can get quite feisty when you want to (yes, you are strong-willed just like your sister and your mother), but you are a gentle soul.
You enjoy your fair share of rough housing and got your first stitches last week to prove it. Well, not quite. Actually the stitches were the result of an accidental fall into a coffee table, and while I hope they are the only stitches you ever have to get, as I watch you jump off the furniture wildly, I’m afraid they may not be the last. As a result of the coffee table fall, you are celebrating your third birthday with a black eye.
There are little things that you’ve said over the past few years that always make me smile. You’ve grown out of saying “elphalent” (elephant) and “ee-thare” (either), but you still say “their chothers” (each other) and I love that. I don’t want to forget all of the cute sayings, but I know that if I don’t write them down like this, sadly I will.
You go to preschool one day a week now, and although you have separation anxiety for a moment or two when I drop you off, you have transitioned into Miss G’s class remarkably well. I’m so proud of you.
You make me smile. You make me laugh. I love your “nose cozies” and silly faces.
You also challenge me. Both you and Ava make me want to be a better mom and a better person.
I’m happy that I’ve been able to nurse you the past three years. I don’t know when our nursing relationship will end, but I think that “na-na” has definitely helped you get through some illnesses, nourishing you both physically and emotionally, and I’m thankful for that.
I find it hard to believe that you, my baby, are three years old today. It simultaneously feels like you were just born and that you’ve been a part of our lives forever. As we say goodbye to the toddler years, I look forward to seeing the boy you become.
I’ll never grow tired your response when I tell you, “You’re my best boy,” which is “You’re my best girl.” I love being your best girl, Julian. :)
Happy third birthday, Jules. I love you.
– Mommy
Photo credit (for the second picture): Linda King
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November 23rd, 2009 at 7:30 am
Isil says:
Happy belated birthday Julian!I can’t believe it has been 3 years!
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:11 am
Leisl says:
So sweet.
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:08 am
phyllis says:
aww…happy birthday, Julian! What a sweet birthday note.
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:04 am
Lisa @ Retro Housewife Goes Green says:
This is so sweet. Happy birthday, Julian!
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:32 am
Green Me Alison says:
Happy Birthday Julian and Mommy!
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:54 am
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November 23rd, 2009 at 11:45 am
Alix Monrt says:
Hey there. I love this letter. You are obviously a great and caring mommy.
I also have a spirited three year old. here are a few lessons I have learned:
1. Using words can be really hard for a 3yr old, but it pays off to ask him to say the whole thing each time. Soon, all whining is replaced by sweet pleases and thank yous.
2. Make a routine for getting dressed. Let him wear what he wants when possible, and let him attempt to put it on by himself. Dressing can turn into battle royal so quickly, but they start to get the hang of it eventually.
3. Listen when your kid tells you to shape up. Sometimes, we are the problem, not them. My daughter lets me know when I’m being a bad (stressed/distracted/etc.) mommy, and she is always right.
Well, thats all I got so far. Wish me luck as I keep figuring it out.
I realize that every kid is a completely different ball of wax, and I’m no expert. This is just some free (hopefully helpful) advice.
Good luck!
Alix
November 23rd, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Alix Monty says:
and Happy Birthday, Julian!!!!!
November 23rd, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Amber says:
Happy birthday, Julian!
What a lovely letter. You made me tear up, in honesty. What a lucky Mama, to be Julian’s best girl.
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Marilyn says:
Happy Birthday Julian!
That was a lovely tribute to your son. He sounds sweet.
It was my son’s third birthday yesterday. It’s been quite a trip so far.
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Amy P. says:
Awww… so sweet. Happy Birthday Julian. I can’t believe three years already. I remember when you announced your pregnancy with him on CDG!!!
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Dagmar Bleasdale says:
Oh, I did the same thing; my son just turned 3 as well! I still haven’t posted the letter on my blog, but I indent to :)
Lovely letter, so sweet.
Best,
Dagmar
November 24th, 2009 at 12:49 am
Maya says:
What a beautiful post! Also, Julian is one of my very favorite boy names. Happy 3rd birthday, Julian! :-)
November 24th, 2009 at 2:02 am
Lauren @ Hobo Mama says:
Oh, that is so sweet! I love the growing older and closer. Happy birthday to your sweet boy!
November 24th, 2009 at 4:29 am
Melodie says:
This makes me realize that I really need to write down my 2 year old’s cute words. Like “rainbrella” instead of umbrella, and, and…ack! I’ve already forgotten the other ones!!! Must find journal today and start writing again! (Once you have a blog I find the journalling – at least for me – takes a back seat big time!)
November 24th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Casual Friday Every Day says:
I love this love letter :)
December 5th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Al_Pal says:
So sweet! Great birthday letter. :D
December 10th, 2009 at 12:35 am