Bastien Is Three!

Dear Bastien, or “Big Boy” as it seems you prefer to be called these days. Today you are three! So long twos, this is the day we’ve been waiting for!

You’ve come such a long way in the past twelve months. Learning to speak in sentences surfacing as perhaps your largest accomplishment. Aunt Courtney relayed the following quote from you to me, and I think it’s my favorite too: “Got to put it in the case so Haddie don’t get my (har)’monica”. It’s true, much of your year has been spent playing your harmonica, and keeping your toys away from Hadley. We get a good laugh every time you tell her to “Listen” and “Cooperate.”

Other accomplishments this year include going to school all by yourself and never once crying about it (even though class started promptly at nap time). I cannot tell you how surprised and proud your self-discipline made me.

Plus, there was the whole potty training thing. Which seriously made us look like stellar parents. But it was all you – and I give you much credit for this. You are one determined young man. And you’re also a predictable sucker for a good candy reward.

This is the face I will always remember, even though I’m sure you’ll stop making it right around the time you trade dimples for pimples. Oh my gosh, I could watch you concentrate on the task at hand all day long with that little tongue between your lips just so, and never get tired of it.

At your birthday party, you exclaimed “ooh” upon opening each present. And, very seriously thanked everyone for their gifts. Again, I was impressed with your maturity. You also asked for a pink cake with star sprinkles.

What I want to tell you is that even though we’ve had a few rough patches during the twos, Grammy assures me you’ll never remember me as a mean mom. And while I do fess up to being short on patience several times this year, I’ve always secretly admired your energy and endurance. Plus, now that you’re starting to apply those more appropriately, you are becoming quite an enjoyable companion.

Your babysitter Jo tells me you recently confessed I am your best friend. In fact, you sang it out loud. I could not be more flattered and gosh, I hope you feel that way for a long time. Because Bub, you are so SO dear to me. And I will keep on trying to make every day of your childhood a special one, just to see you smile. Happy birthday my love,
Mommy