Happy Birthday, Prince Leyton!

Dear Leyton,

Today is a special day for our family because you turn three years old! Happy Birthday, little man! You are getting so big--tall and lanky as can be, but even more than that, you are learning so many new things each day. In the past year, you have officially crossed over from being a baby to being a little boy. It is bittersweet for me, but I am so thankful to be able to watch you as you grow up. You bring such joy to my life and to all those around you!

Your world was turned upside down this past year as we welcomed your little brother into our family. As I knew you would, you took this major change in stride. You've never been the only child in the family, so you had no problem adding another brother into your world. It was definitely harder for Mommy and Daddy as we had to adjust to having two babies in the house! It didn't take us long to realize that you were quickly growing out of being our baby and developing into quite the independent little spirit. You have certainly given me my exercise this year, chasing you all around whenever you get the whim to wander. You also began using your language skills a lot more to express yourself, and we were very impressed at how your vocabulary blossomed! For most of the past year, you cried pretty much every morning at breakfast. We weren't exactly sure why this started, but if things didn't go exactly how you wanted them to, the tears would start. I'm kind of glad, ok really glad, that phase is over! :)

This was the year of the prince[ess.] You pretty much went head over heels for anything sparkly, twirly, and/or with long hair! You ravagedmy closet, trying on whatever shoes you could get your hands on, and I kept finding you with my dresses off their hangers and draped over your little shoulders. You took quite a liking to a little orange Home Depot apron, calling it your "skirt," and whenever we left the house all winter, you had it on! People who didn't even really know us recognized us because of that funny apron! When we visited the Arboretum in Dallas, you stared in wonder at a young girl in her quincenera dress, totally in awe of such a beautiful "princess!" You also began draping my scarves and blankets over your head to make long hair. One day, I overheard you in your crib calling out "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!" and then I peeked in to see you tossing the blanket over the side. :)

Most of all, you have just been the sweetest cuddle bug! No matter what you are doing, whether it's whipping up "tomato soup" in your kitchen, building a "castle" with blocks, or watching your favorite movie (Beauty and the Beast,) you love to sit on my lap, give kisses, and throw your arms around me with the biggest sweetest hugs ever. I just can't get enough! Even though I can clearly see that you are growing every day, I still think of you as my sweet baby boy. I'm not sure that will ever change!

Happy Birthday Prince Leyton!

(This picture is old, but that blue crown is where it all started!)

Love,

Mommy