Three-and-a-half, going on eight...

Dear Tyler,

Today you are 3-1/2 years old. To me, you seem much more mature than many kids your age, and I have come to expect more from you…often forgetting that you’re only 3-1/2. A typical 3-1/2-year-old is expected to throw tantrums, not be able to pronounce certain letters/sounds/words, and be a little selfish. You, on the other hand, rarely throw an all-out tantrum, can annunciate your words very well, and are always willing to share (toys, food…anything, especially with your little brother, Mason). I bought you a set of flash-card-type cards, meant for 4-5-year-olds. You’ve gone through the first set of cards with such ease, that I’m hoping the cards get harder as we go…otherwise I’ll have to get you the 6-7-year-old set!

You are very polite and kind to others. We hope that we are teaching you respect for other people, and it seems as though you understand. You certainly know the difference between asking politely for something and whining about it. I think you have also figured out that Mommy and Daddy have a soft spot for you when you do ask nicely for something. You, Mason, and I were at the library the other day, and we were getting ready to leave, but you wanted to play for a few more minutes in the children’s area. I had said we were running short on time, but you calmly pleaded, “Mommy, can I please play over there for a few more minutes? Please?” Well, what could I do but agree? (And also be secretly happy, because that was an example of what Daddy and I have been trying to teach you for so long!)

You were watching a movie this afternoon, and I was watching you. You looked so much older than 3-1/2 years. Your face looked more like a 7 or 8-year-old’s face, and I found myself imagining what you would look like in a few years and on. You’re a gorgeous child, and you easily smile, showing us your 4 dimples! How I love those dimples and what I wouldn’t do to see them!

You’ve become so independent, doing so many things on your own. You rarely need help with day-to-day activities. You can go to the potty by yourself, wash your hands, put on and take off your clothes, go to the refrigerator and get a snack, get out your toys, clean up your toys, and get in and out of the car (including opening and closing the door). You run very fast, you love to jump from high places, and you give wonderful hugs and kisses. You are very loving and gentle with Mason, and you are just as proud as Mommy and Daddy when Mason accomplishes new things (clapping, standing, etc.). You can make Mason smile easier than anyone else, and you enjoy doing things you know will entertain him.

With your independence has come a little bit of fear. You’ve recently become afraid of the dark, monsters, and growling (even if it’s fake growling that Mommy or Daddy is doing to play with your stuffed animals). Some days, you may have a bad day at daycare because you miss your cousins or us, and you want to be home.

Tyler, you and I have been tending to some tomato plants and basil plants this summer. You get very excited when a tomato turns red and you’re allowed to pick it. We’ve gotten quite a few tomatoes already, and I’ve already made 2 batches of pesto from the basil. You helped me transplant some tomato plants as they grew, you pick off the flowers from the basil plants, and you’ve helped me water the plants with your own watering can. I’m excited that I could teach you the little I know about gardening, and that our plants are doing so well!

You are so, SO smart! You've grasped some pretty complicated concepts, especially for a 3 (and a half) year old. You can play many board games all the way through, following the directions: Candyland, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Chutes and Ladders, a Thomas the Train board game we got at a yard sale, dominoes, Go Fish, War, and you almost played a whole game of checkers with me! You can tell a knock-knock joke, too!

You love your cousins, and you get along very well with all of them. Right now, it seems like Lauren, Hannah, and Reese are the ones you play with most, since they are all closest to your age.

All this is meant to show you what a wonderful little boy you’re growing to be. You are truly a delight for Daddy and me. We love to watch you play with your toys, play superheroes, and interact with Mason. You love books, and we love reading them to you. You’re a kind and loving little guy, and we are so proud of the boy you’re growing up to be. Daddy and I love you very, very much!

Love always,
Mommy