Atticus is 3!

Our little boy woke up this morning another day older just like every other day, but today was different. Today all those days tallied up to the sum of three whole years! And Atticus could not have been more excited about that little fact. He had been counting down since Jason's birthday back in March and with each birthday that passed between then and now he asked us how many more birthdays until his birthday (since we seem to have a concentrated amount of birthdays and holidays in that time frame it was easier to countdown by birthdays to go than actual days). 

In the final days leading up to the big day, he literally could not sleep. During nap time we would hear him saying things like "Atti Birthday, one more sleep!" or "Big birthday breakfast. MMMMmmm!". 

He got to go to the store with Mommy to pick out everything he wanted for his Birthday Breakfast Smorgasbord and insisted that he was buying it. He put a lot of thought into it. Ever see an almost 3-year-old debate whether white grape juice or red grape juice would compliment breakfast better? I have. Or see an almost 3-year-old advise his Mommy that he is the best person for the job of picking out ripe strawberries? I sure have. And boy, was it cute!

We sure love having this boy in our family. We love the added dynamic and the new perspective that he shines onto situations.

He is constantly making us laugh and amazing us with the way he processes information.

He is quick at processing things and thinks things through thoroughly. It is incredible to see him come up with very well thought out solutions to problems (like how him and Milayla can share one toy, how to complete a maze, or how to reach the markers on the top shelf that Mommy told him he couldn't play with at that particular moment).

He plans out everything. And deviating from that plan usually doesn't go over well.

He is typically very patient and a constant perfectionist. When we do any tracing during Mommy school (like letter learning), he will erase any work that was not on the line and begin again until it is exact.

He is fiercely loyal and thoughtful. He has an incredible memory for things he did with people and for what his friends' favorite toys are (and will make sure they are out when his friends come over to play).

He gives incredible hugs, kisses and tickles. The latest and greatest thing is to try to sneak up on Mommy to attack her with tickles. However, as soon as he is within a 3 foot radius, the excitement is just too much for him and he runs away giggling hysterically. It gets us all laughing.

And he is smart to-boot and extremely good with his hands. He knows all of his letters and sounds, is well on his way for counting (we have just started working with telling time as well!) and understands German better than we had thought (we were speaking in German to one another when we were discussing things we weren't ready for little ears to hear, like a possible dessert, but when he started accurately responding we realized that he was following along very well).

Yes, we sure are blessed to have this independent, loving, thoughtful, ambitious, energetic and intelligent Little Boy in our family.

We love you to pieces, Atticus.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Love,
Mom & Dad