3-3-30

Dear Max,

Three seems to be your lucky number! At 3 years and 3 months, you have finally hit 30 pounds! All of those cupcakes and "flapjacks" must be packing on the weight finally. Unfortunately, the reason we know your weight is due to several doctor's visits. After a trip to the ER in the fall for respiratory problems, the pediatrician has been watching you closely. You have not had any problems again until recently and it appears you may have a mild case of asthma. It only seems to flare up when you hare having another type of issue (bronchitis this time), but they prescribed a rescue inhaler and a preventative inhaler. You take your "puffer" like a champ and even double check to make sure Mommy and Daddy are using the correct one.

You are becoming much better at playing and working independently although we still hear "Can you heeeeelp me?" fairly often. We are trying to allow you more freedoms in many areas. You are completely out of diapers, both day and night, and have made it clear that you do not need constant supervision in the bathroom or playing. A creative genius is emerging and has been expressed through a number of art mediums including: painting, stickers, play doh, and stamps! Mommy is trying hard not to be too uptight about messes!

(Yes, that is underwear on his head)

Max, you continue to assert that you want to be a Bobcat operator and shovel snow, but your latest hobby is spelunking. Papa Mike taught you how to build caves and we have rarely seen you playing outside of them since that time. And note that it is a CAVE, not a tent. There is a distinct difference - mostly the threat of a cave-in!

Much to Daddy's dismay you already have a true Southern accent. You draw out each word and have us laughing hysterically with your pronunciations. Singing has been a favorite pastime and we jam to Five Little Monkeys and Old McDonald as we cruise down the road. I hear you singing in the bed, in the bathroom, and humming outside while you do other activities.

Max, we know you have a lot of changes in your life ahead during the next few months. Despite your sweet comments about your baby sister, I can tell you are already aware that our attention is not as undivided as it used to be. I believe some of your difficult behaviors are in reaction to that fact. Mommy and Daddy are also unsure of exactly what will happen when Sarah joins us, but we will never stop loving The Max. And we are trying to treasure each moment and each day of it being the three of us.

Much love,

Mommy