Dear Charlie,
I cannot believe I'm writing to my three-year-old son. You are such an amazing kid. Somewhere along the line you went from toddler to kid, and it still boggles my mind how that happened so quickly. At the beginning of this last year you were speaking in short, sometimes unrecognizable sentences. Now you express yourself in complex, beautifully crafted, complete thoughts. I love listening to the stories you have to share, questions you want answered, and unique commentary you express as you discover more about your world. The other day we went out front to kick the soccer ball around. After a few minutes you laid down in the grass, folded your arms carefully behind your head and asked nonchalantly, "Mom, should we lay down and look at the clouds?" Your curiosity and admiration for this beautiful world we live in is a gift to be cherished. "Yes, Charlie. We should do that," I replied. So we did. I have locked away that moment in my memory and it will forever remain one of the most special moments we've shared.
This year you became a big brother to Eloise and George. I knew you were going to be such a loving brother, but I could never have imagined how gentle and kind a 2 1/2 year old could be. You genuinely love and adore the babies and they equally love and adore you. Watching you dance around and make goofy noises just to make them smile makes my day. The older they get, the more they interact with you. I see glimpses of what life will be like a year from now when all three of you are playing and laughing together. Brothers and sisters are the best.
You started school this year. Because the twins were born so early we made the decision to send you to school a couple of days a week to give you a break from the madness at home. I was so nervous about sending you out into the world, even if for only a couple of hours a week. It took you a few weeks to get used to the routine and feel comfortable with the teachers and students, but I was so impressed with your resilience. You handled school like a champ! You love to learn and experience new things at school each week. You made two good friends, Jack and Jenny who both came to your birthday party this summer. You gained so much confidence on playground equipment and in your motor skills since beginning school. We are so proud of your letter and letter sound knowledge as well as your ability to count, sort, and label. You have a passion for learning and we are so proud of you for that.
On a daily basis you walk into a room and say, "Mom, I need a huggy." My response is always the same, "Me too, Charlie." And I mean that. Your hugs warm my heart. I asked you the other day if you'd still need a hug when you're 16 and driving. "Sure, Mom." I'm going to hold you to that. I will always need your hugs.
Welcome to year number three of this life my baby boy. I love you and I am unbelievably proud of you. I look forward to watching you grow and learn this year. Thank you for being such an amazing kid.
I love you,
Mom
