Dear Luke

[Luke turned 3 a few weeks ago and I've been meaning to write down a few things about why I love my little man.]

Dear Luke,

I love your hair. For a while I felt bad that I passed it on to you because you may not enjoy fixing it when you are older. But it completes your personality so perfectly. You do things your own way. You are creative. You love everything that life has to offer. Somehow your golden curls fit you just perfectly.

I love it when you give me "killer kisses". The kisses that slightly feel like a punch to the cheek and make me wonder if I'm going to bruise. They don't feel great but I can tell how much you love me and I'm grateful for them anyway. Even better is when I get little sweet kisses on my nose. Usually when I am lying down next to you at night, in bed, helping you fall asleep. It's like you're forgiving me for all the mistakes I have undoubtedly made that day. Thank you for always forgiving me.

I love when I understand what you're saying. It is taking a little longer for us to communicate than I once anticipated, but I'm glad because I don't take your words for granted. Like tonight when I blew into your toy trumpet and you said, "No, shhhh! Cammy sleeping". I realized that there is so much more you know and understand - more than I sometimes realize- and I can't wait to hear more of your thoughts...

I love your kind heart. You never want anyone to be sad. You always care for your brother and never ignore his cries even when I sometimes tune them out. If I am ever hurt, sad, or crying you immediately come to cheer me up. Sometimes you even apologize even though it is not your fault. And then you show me how to move on. Leaving the past behind and focusing on the next adventure or task before us. You help me remember how simple life is and how much there is to enjoy. And your laugh is infectious!

Not everyday is full of exciting exploration, sweet treats, and friendly wrestling matches. Sometimes we disagree. There are timeouts and tantrums. Sometimes I make you do things you don't want to. I am pushing you to grow and teaching you limits that will benefit your character. But you are teaching me too. You have taught me how much I need more discipline in my own life. You have taught me that my words don't mean as much as my actions. You have taught me that my ability to influence you is directly related to the amount of time I spend on our relationship.

And you have taught me oh so much more than that....

I am so glad that we have you in our family. I feel like I've always known you (even though sometimes I have no idea what is going on in that little head of yours). You & me were meant to be kiddo.

Love,

mom

p.s. it has been over 24 hours and we are still binky-free