Dear Sullivan,
Oh my gosh, did you ever turn three. Like in the week leading up to your birthday, you officially turned three. More than ever your favorite word is 'No', only the way you say it, you draw out the 'O' and end it with a '?', like you want people to really question what they just asked you to do, and then rethink about whether or not they should have spoken. (I don't know where you get this...it couldn't be from your mother...). Your brazenness and state of constant rebellion sometimes border on contempt, and when those moments happen it is so hard not to laugh. Your face gets very serious, as you do whatever you are going to do to demonstrate your distaste of what was requested of you or insisted upon. The other day I told you that the shoes you were wearing were too big, and that you needed to wear the tennis shoes you have until you grow into the new ones Fritzy gave you. You walked away from me, into your bedroom, towards the basket of (too big) new shoes. You waited until I followed, and then when I was there and could see you, you held eye contact with me while you slowly, calmly upended the basket of shoes and then deliberately pushed them with your feet around the room, littering the space with the shoes I had said you couldn't wear. I have to admit, just like with your brother, when I see these traits emerge I feel this immense pride and sense of "...you are mine and you are me, I know who you are because we are each other". Irreverence, in the very best way, is in your future; there is no escaping that. I also feel like "Oh shit it's going to be a long 15 years" because of those same things :) But here is the beauty of your opposition; while it is so much a part of who you are now, it isn't all of you; there isn't a day that you don't amaze me with your gentleness (and you have always been this way). You adore your brother so much and you love when he helps you and plays with you, all you want is to be near him. And you have the sweetest little manners, you always say thank you and ask so nicely for what you want. And when we push each others buttons and you push and push until finally you get in trouble, the moment I have to sternly talk to you, your bottom lip starts quivering and you get tears in your eyes and you just say to me, "Mommy"... and we deescalate just like that. Because while you might be the punchiest, kickiest, most ball-oriented child I've ever seen (as your school teachers love to point out at conferences, you are off the charts in your gross motor skills), you have always been, and continue to be, the cuddliest, snuggliest little boy. I know the days are limited of you wanting to climb onto my lap to finish your dinner (...you do this thing where you look at me, then start pushing your plate and your cup towards mine and I know you are about to hop off your chair and wander over to me so that you can finish up from the comfort of my lap) and to wiggle under my arm with your head on my chest while we read books or tell stories... you are growing up so fast and will soon be too big and too busy for every day snuggles... but I am thankful for every one of those moments. You are a beautiful, capable, kind human. And it is my greatest joy to be your mother. I love you Sullivan. ~Mommy
Birthday eve snuggles...
Good morning, birthday boy!
Opening presents from Grandma Dot
Suls got a new ball. And hasn't let go of it since. Including at night. Literally. Turning 3 also meant giving up his pacifier at bed time, which has actually been a pretty smooth transition because now he just sleeps with a ball. Hey a comfort object is a comfort object.
Birthday boy at school
Birthday party at Lake Josephine with friends and the Olson family.
Celebrating with the Nathan's - there was a little bit of a 'hand in the door' incident, but we bounced back.
Grandma Julie & Grandma Hillary sent a guitar and boxing gloves & a punching bag...
Sullivan's Least Favorite Things: wearing a shirt, being told no, going to bed
Back in time... to Sully's arrival....
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