My dearest little man,

Tonight you fell asleep while resting on daddy's lap. We both took a few moments to just stare at you, sleeping away and looking so peacefully.

And then daddy looked at me and asked "How many more times?" What he meant was how many more times will we be get to hold you as you fall asleep? Sadly, I feel not many. Even now those times are far and few between.

You are 3 1/2 now! Growing so big each and every day! Daddy and I have been talking about this a lot lately. Just this summer you have mastered getting dressed (as long as the clothes aren't too tricky), putting on socks, putting on shoes (although getting your shoes on the right foot is pretty random!), working the dvd player, buckling the top buckle of your car seat and knowing to pull the buckle up ot your shoulders when you are done, getting your own drink of water, washing your hands by yourself, putting your laundry away (granted, most of it's not folded by the time you get it to the drawer, but you get it to the drawer and I appreciate that very much!). You want to pick out your own clothes, you want to pick out your own sandwich fillings at lunch,

So quickly you are growing up and changing before our eyes. We love watching you grow. We love watching you gain independence and learn new things. But, my little man, I'll be honest with you, it saddens me so much too. I miss the baby days as well. I miss rocking you to sleep. I miss knowing if I turned the right video on for you and sat on the couch at the right time, you'd fall asleep in my lap and sleep so peacefully in my arms.

But these moments aren't lost forever. And when they do happen I cherish them. And remember the times from when you were a little smaller and needed me a little more. But, I also cherish who you are today - the little man you are becoming.

love,
mom

My dearest children,

Today I was in the car coming home from work, when this great song came on the radio. It made me think of your father and just how lucky we are to have him.

I know, I know, you might be wondering why am I telling you this. And maybe you are thinking that I should be writing a letter to daddy right now! Don't worry, I will tell daddy this song makes me think of him. But I'm also telling you as well. Because even though today you are 9, 6, and 3 years old, I pray that when you are older and married, you will feel this way about whomever you marry. If you can also be best friends with the person you love, it is truly a blessing.

So although it's hard for me to picture you grown up and in love, when that time comes, I wish you experience love so wonderful it just fills you up and that you will wake up every morning knowing just how lucky you are! And, that your significant other wakes up each and every morning and knows what a treasure you are. Because I can see the people you are growing into each and everyday. Because you deserve to be loved that much each and every day. And you deserve to feel that way each and every day.

And, I also want you to know, that I feel truly lucky to be your mom. And I thank God each and every day for entrusting the three of you to my care.

Love,
mom

My dearest children,

I think I finally realized today just how fast your childhood is flying by. And unlike my grand plans prior to having children, not a one of you has a finished babybook! I've never sat down and written you letters that you can loving read in adulthood to remind you of these early days. And despite the fact that I own two cameras, it never feels as if I've taken enough pictures of you either. And the days really are flying by. It always feels as if I'll have more time. More time to take pictures. More time to write. More time to enjoy you.

And yet, deep down I know. I know, this is it. Today will never happen again. You will never be exactly as you are today.

And so, once again, I set out to write you letters. And I'll dream that someday you will read these and cherish them.

love,
mom