Dear Caleb,

With a big lump in my throat, I can tell people today that my little boy is 3. Three sounds so old, so un-baby, so grown up. You are definitely not two anymore. Not just because March 21 is here, but because you have long surpassed your toddler days as a two-year-old.

I remember the trying moments of your infancy and toddlerhood. There were so many days in which we dreamt of future days when you didn't need every bit of our time, energy, attention, and patience. Yes, you still need us in many ways, but you are also so very independent. You have grown into a boy. A true boy. You love to dig, play, imagine, run, laugh, tackle. You love to watch tv, and I spend many moments of many days explaining why you can't watch another show or DVD. I also spend many moments answering so many of the other questions that your curious mind comes up with. I love your questions though, and I long for the innocence you portray to stay with you forever.

Yet despite your 110% boyness, you are a true sweetheart. Not many three-year-olds say thank you to their mommies for making breakfast, getting them dressed, driving them to the store, and doing all of those other seemingly thankless tasks. Yet you, in all your kindheartedness, slip in random thank yous throughout our ordinary days. Your sweet nature leads you to demand hugs and kisses before bed and before anyone you love leaves your presence for more than a few minutes. Your sweet nature makes you tell everyone that you have a little sister named Wee-uh, and she's your favorite sister, and you love her...and because of your fondness of her, we can't go anywhere without you reminding me that Leah has to come too. Your sweet nature leads you to still have moments when you want to snuggle, be held, be rocked, be read to.

When I think back on how quickly this past year has gone, I'm scared by how soon you'll be four, five, six, and so on. With each new year, we are learning that there are so many changes, milestones, and new memories. For you, this past year has meant potty training. Against the advice of many people, we went full speed ahead and got you trained just a few months after turning two. This past year meant giving up your pacifier. Saying goodbye to this last tie to babyhood was much harder for me than you. This past year meant a LOT of learning: recognizing letters (and even some of their sounds) and numbers and shapes and colors, how to pedal a bike, how to put on your coat, getting yourself undressed, and so many other accomplishments that we can't believe our little baby boy is already doing. This past year has meant the last year before you're in school. You can't wait to go to preschool, even though Mommy is dreading the first day she has to drop you off and send you out into this big world.

Fortunately, in this big world, there is still a God who is watching over you day in and day out. He has blessed you beyond belief over the past three years and continues to do so everyday. We pray to God for your heart, your friendships, your passions, your dreams. It's amazing to already see how God is forming you into a wonderful little boy. We hope that as the years go by, you will become as in love with Him as He is with you. There is no other explanation, besides the work of an awesome God, for how a tiny miracle that was brought to us three years ago could be growing into this beautiful creation we see today. And there is no other explanation, besides the work of an awesome God, for how one life can bring so much joy to so many others. You are loved, sweet birthday boy....so very, very, very much.