Happy 3rd Birthday, Sam!

My dear Sam,

Three years ago today you made me a Mama. It has been a joy to watch you grow from the little peanut that you were to the little boy you are today. And you are SUCH a boy. You are rough and rowdy, but you also love a good snuggle and reading on Mama or Dada's lap. You love all things transportation, especially trains (and especially Thomas!). You are learning how to be a big brother, and you love going into Jocelyn's room to see her right when she wakes up.

Some things you can do mostly by yourself: take off your own clothes before bath, bring your plate to the sink after a meal, clean up your toys, brush your teeth, wash your hands, and clearly and proudly say all your "ABCDs". Your language development has fascinated me. Some of your last "baby" words that I love right now are: "Gocelyn" (Jocelyn), "ey-yow" (yellow), and "baboon" (balloon).

You are learning so much so fast. You love music and you've started asking, "Mama, what's this song about?" You can tell me what you learned at church, and we can talk about Jesus and the Gospel together. Oh, how I pray daily that these beautiful seeds would sink in and take root in a heart that God is making his own! May my sweet, blue-eyed boy grow into a man who loves others with the sacrificial love of Christ, and bears good fruit for the Kingdom.

Happy 3rd Birthday, my Sam Bear.

                                          I love you,

                                                   Mama