Happy 3rd Birthday, Silas! It's official - you're no longer a baby; there's no doubt that over the past few months you've turned into a "big kid." There are a few ways we know this. Most importantly, you became a BIG BROTHER last month - a role that you are so proud to take! You've been in the BIG KID (Pre-K1) room at your school and love going in each morning. And just this week you've started sleeping in a BIG KID BED! Lots of "big" things to celebrate as you turned 3 years old!
Certainly the greatest change in your life has been welcoming your little brother, and you learning how to be a big brother. You're a natural! While it's only been one month so far, you have not shown and inklings of jealousy or sibling rivalry. You like to make us aware each time Asa cries ("Mommy...our baby is crying.") and you like to offer suggestions to make him happy ("Mommy...our baby wants milk."). You love to announce whenever he is awake ("Our baby opened his eyes! He likes me!") and help him relax to sleep by rocking him in the glider or putting his pacifier back in his mouth. You are very understanding when I have to take time away from you when it's time for Asa to nurse. One of the cutest things you do is when you want to look at your brother, you will lay down near him and put your face just inches from his, and you just stare at him, and sometimes rub his cheek or head! It is clear that you're enjoying being a big brother and I hope that feeling lasts for both your lifetimes!
In September you were moved to the Pre-K1 room at your preschool, which has the kids who are about 2.5-4 years old. Your buddies Sam, David and Kristian are all in the Pre-K1 room and you guys are quite the crew of craziness - not sure how Teacher Mary deals with you all 5 days a week! Going to school each morning has been a breeze, because the promise of "Circle Time" makes you excited to get to school and sit on carpet squares with all your friends. On Fridays you get to bring an item related to the weekly lesson for Show & Tell. Since moving to the Pre-K1 room, your language, thoughts and expression of our imagination has blossomed exponentially. You have no trouble expressing your ideas, desires and experiences - and I LOVE it. We've also noticed that you remember so many things from months ago, and out of the blue, you will talk about experiences from long ago. I'm so glad that we have the ability to put you in a setting that allows you to learn from Teacher Mary, from your peers and to develop your social, mental and physical skills each day. Picking you up from school is one of the best parts of each day...but dropping you off, getting a kiss on the lips and watching your friends shout in excitement when you arrive is also a joyful part of my day!
Over the past month or so, you've also started using your language differently than I had expected at just age 3. First, you've started using your own language - words like "kook," "fong," "igke" and such are used all the time, and in different ways. I have no idea where this came from or what it means, but you seem to think these words are part of your language. Second, you have started using your words to tell little fibs...particularly when it comes to bedtime. You really like to snuggle in our bed and at nighttime, when your dad is putting you to bed, you'll tell him "Mommy said that I could sleep in your bed." (not true!) Or when you need to clean up toys, you'll tell me "But Teacher Mary told me that I can't clean up my toys." (not true!) Sometimes you'll even plug in someone's name who could not have been part of a conversation, such as "Papa told me that I don't have to put my puzzle away tonight!" (not true!) I'm guessing that this type of fibbing is normal as kids learn to try to get what they want. It's still humorous now - but will probably become annoying soon!
We bought a full sized bed for you a few months ago and we finally took apart your crib and put the big kid bed in your room just a few days ago. Bedtime had turned into a battle of wills - but since the big kid bed has been in your room, both naptime and bedtime have become not only bearable...but almost enjoyable! You like your dad to get you in your jammies and after we watch a little movie and read some books, you like me to put you in your bed and snuggle for a few minutes. (And I'm more than happy to oblige!) It's also nice to have a bed in your room that we both fit in, because I'm able to take naps with you in your room, since I'm often pretty tired from getting up in the night to nurse Asa. The only downside is that the bed takes up a bigger portion of your room and your myriad of toys are overflowing out your door! I thought I'd be sadder to not see you sleeping in your crib any longer, but seeing your little body in that big bed is just adorable.
We went to your 3 year well-child doctor visit last week. You were 35 pounds and 39" tall. That puts you in the 90th percentile for height and 85th percentile for weight. This was really surprising to me because you don't seem that big to me. Then again, carrying your is becoming nearly impossible because you're so heavy - particularly in comparison to carrying your little brother! You didn't even flinch when you got your flu shot and the doctor said you are perfectly healthy - no concerns at all. The only thing we need to work on is getting that binky away from you. You LOVE your binky, but the doc said it's bad for your teeth at this age. We're working hard to only give your the pacifier at bedtime...but you're known to sneak it other times, too.
We are so happy that you are our big boy (and I'll always think of you as my little boy at the same time). I just love spending time with you - doing puzzles, being served from your play kitchen, watching you use my iPhone to play games, snuggling on the couch watching Sid the Science Kid, eating our meals together as a family at the table each morning and night, watching you zoom around on your bike, and more. You are a really special boy and you bring a lot of happiness to all of your family. I can't wait to see what you do over this next year - I think you're going to just keep becoming more and more amazing!
We love you more than you can ever imagine! HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY, baby!
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