Happy 3rd Birthday, Braxton

Last Tuesday, we rang in Braxton's 3rd birthday.  This was the first year he really "got" it.  Really understood that the day was for him and that we were celebrating something important.  We celebrated the day with a small pizza and ice cream cake gathering at our house.  We are planning a bigger party at our new camper later in June to celebrate both Braxton and Kyler's birthdays.

I am not even sure what to say about the last year of Braxton's life.  It has been, well, Amazing!  To see a little toddler turn into a little boy before my very eyes!  He has really become my "little man", my "best guy", as we say.

When he reads back on this, I want him to know that these are the things I love most about him:

1.  Your love for your brother.  Every day when you wake up, you have to find Kyler.  Then cuddle with him for what seems like forever.  Whenever  you get an owie, you say "I want my Kyler".  Somehow holding on to that little guy makes everything all better.
2.  Your intelligence.  Your ability to catch on to anything.  And your questions.  You have come to the age where you want to know everything that is going on around you.  And you are learning it, too!
3.  Your love of reading.  Reading, all the time!  Ever since you were a small toddler, you have had a love of reading.  Any book you can get your hands on, you are asking someone to read to you.  I bet you read 10 books a day!  Right now, Bernstein Bears are high on your list.  You started reading Mom and Kerri's old ones, but now have acquired a few of your own and found their shelf at the library. 
4.  Your soft heart.  You are so tender hearted, always wearing your emotions on your sleeve.  You are never afraid to say "Mommy, I love you so much" or "Daddy, I missed you today".  You are never stingy with the hugs and kisses and I can always count on you to make my day a little bit better.
5.  Your ability to make me laugh.  Whether it's "Hey, Mom, you wanna see something funny?"  or hearing you belly laugh when Dad tickles you, you always know how to get me going!

And just for good measure, here are a few things that I will not miss as they pass along:
1.  You - picking your nose - ALL THE TIME!  What's with that?  Get your finger out of there already!
2.  Your potty accidents.  Though I try to be patient and don't let you know it drives me crazy, I cannot understand how you can pee-free for a week, and then have four accidents in two days.  How is that possible??  But you keep plugging along, and I have to love you for that!
3.  I guess I can't think of anything else.  Must have caught me on a good day ;).

Love for always, Mom