Happy 3rd Birthday Ari

My Dear Ari,

Many mornings I wake up with sore ribs from you making your way to our bed to sleep with us, also known as operation sleep on top of or as close to mom as you can get. This morning my ribs were not sore. It was a new feeling. I realized you were not in our bed. I feel more rested, but was a little disappointed I wouldn't have little arms hugging my neck as tight as you could. It was your birthday after all. I thought just maybe I could give you birthday snuggles in bed. You didn't disappoint because I slowly heard our door open and felt your little body jump up on our bed and squeeze yourself between dad and I. You wrapped your arms around me and tried to sleep. I loved it. I am thankful it was not an all night affair. We both knew no matter how much I said go to sleep you never would, regardless I tried.

You jumped down after 10 minutes and ran downstairs. I knew it was not 7:00 and within minutes I would hear, "mom can I get an apple or banana." It would depend on what you found first. I figured it would be bananas since I just bought them last night. This would cause frustration, because you would not be able to get the banana off where I would hear you start screaming and crying. I would reassure you I was headed down. You must know it was your birthday, because today you calmed down. Some mornings this may send you into a day of frustration. 

No matter how frustrated and upset you get, I am so thankful for you. I keep waiting for you to magically not need me so much, but it hasn't happened. Some days it can be exhausting, but I LOVE that you LOVE to hug and kiss me and be held. You are such a little lover. I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

I can't believe you are three! Nobody would have guessed that such a surprise would turn into such a loving, excited, kind, and energetic boy.

You are the family clown and love to make us laugh with your silly "jokes" and thoughts. Your laugh is contagious and sometimes no matter how hard we try, we can't keep a straight face.

Happy 3rd Birthday Stinky Pete! Mommy loves you so much.

Love, 

Mom