Last night, I was thinking back three years to that sacred afternoon when our whole world began to change in the very best way. We knew you were coming, Henry, and the excitement and joy and celebration of it all was far more significant than the pain of the process. At 3 am on the dot that next, early morning–when we laid eyes on you for the very first time, my heart stretched and stretched until I didn’t think it could stretch anymore. Clearly, I hadn’t gotten to know you yet.

There are things I’ve already forgotten about the time between then and now, but largely, I remember so much of you in every stage. You are forever imprinted in my mind. All of your firsts have been ours as well–all of your joys and hurts and triumphs and struggles ours, too. The thing with you Henry is that you claimed the very first piece of my mama heart. You did that day, and you still do now. I am blessed to know now that God gives us mamas hearts for each of our children, and yours, Henry, is bursting on a day like today.

Celebrating your birthday is much like dedicating a day (or a week, in this house 😉 to the marvelous miracle God has created you to be, and then thanking Him for you over and over until my joy is so abundantly full I could actually burst with gratitude. I don’t take it lightly that you are ours for a time. No. I think being your mom has taught me to savor, but not take for granted. To be reflective in a new way regarding my calling and my responsibilities to The Lord. Thank you for that.

As you unwrapped new cars and trucks today, and as you rode through the store on your very first big boy bicycle, you seemed to possess a new little confidence–one that enhances everything about you that you already are. There must be something to saying, “I’m three!” or to considering that fact as you go about things all day long. You are growing into a remarkable person, Henry! I almost cringe to admit that you feel so grown up, because it have loved every part of Baby Henry, and every aspect of toddler Henry, too. Now suddenly, you will be riding down the street on your bicycle and going to school in the fall, and I still want to think of you as so small when really, you’re coming into your own.

My favorite parts of today were all moments when you and I spent concentrated time together–a bagel date with you at JP’s, watching a movie snuggled up on the couch as Eloise napped, reading with you in my lap this afternoon and at bedtime. I adore our conversations and teaching you about things like pay phones and Jesus and how to pedal a bike. There are few–if any, things I would rather have done today than celebrate the marvelous boy you continue to become. In fact, I can’t really come up with even one!

Thank you for blessing our lives with yours, Henry David! Your unmatched energy, contagious curiosity, and innate ability to light up a room (and your sister’s face) at any moment just continue to bring pure joy! You are articulate and smart. Funny and creative. Imaginative, thoughtful, conscientious, and kind. I couldn’t ask for a better match for our family, or for a better son than God has given us in you!

I pray that this coming year will be filled with all kinds of adventures–big and small, that God will protect and keep you, and that you will know our love for you in deep and simple ways, every single day. You are a gift, sweet three year old!

i love you a crazy ton!
mama