Dearest Christopher. . .

My dearest Christopher,

Another year has gone by and you are growing up so fast. It is hard to believe that you are three now, especially when I look at pictures of you when you were born, so very tiny, so very sweet, perfect in every way. Now every day you learn new words and new phrases, you run faster, you get into more, and your personality develops more and more. We see hues, textures, colors and shapes of who you are and of you will become.

These are the special things about you and our family that I remember from this year that have happened. The biggest change has been that as a family we moved from Green Gables to a rented property in Narnia land. I haven't really come up with a name yet so hopefully as my writing voice continues to develop and my imagination begins to take root and soar once again the name that is this house will reveal itself to me.

You didn't really notice the move other than you have enjoyed the new house. You love the long hall way and running up and down it as fast as your feet can carry you. You love the shutters that let you peer outside to enjoy the sunshine and the nature that is more visible to us in this house. You have loved going outside in the back-yard and playing loudly on the swing-set and even in the neighbors yard on their swing-set. You gained access to this swing-set by batting your long lashes at the neighbors through their yard. You also love the neighbors especially Dennis, you often enjoy going out to the front yard or back yard to chat with him as he gardens. To tell the truth he and Julie have fallen in love with you, as lots of people do.

You also got to meet and spend lots of time with your Aunt and Uncle who are usually in Indonesia and so we don't get to see them often. You are the only boy cousin on that side of the family so you are seen as special and Johnny and Paige scoop you up whenever they get a chance. I don't blame them you are awfully cute. Your blond curly hair and hazel eyes, with really long lashes.

You know you're cute though and often bat those long lashes at anyone that looks at you. You don't think we notice but we do. You often employ those lashes to get your sisters to do your bidding, and foolishly they comply. They will let you play with things or mooch food from them, or even give you extra kisses and hugs all because of your long lashes and that little voice that begs please.

The one biggest change in your life has been a result of a change in our family dynamics, what I mean by that is that last September Frances started school. Until then you had been used to having her around all the time. In fact you two were beginning to drive each other insane, teasing and always wanting to play with the exact same toy. However with her at school every other day you began to miss her. Until then she was an annoyance to you, but now the days she is home you are happier and you follow her everywhere she goes, you flood her with hugs and kisses and often your little voice rings through the halls "Fances where are ouuu?" As you search for her who is looking for alone time.

I have enjoyed seeing this side of you and seeing you two develop a friendship, a kinship, I see you two developing a close relationship and that brings joy to a mother. I love it when you go up to her and just out of the blue hug her. You love cuddling on the couch with her and sometimes she protests but more often than not she cuddles right back because she adores your too.

You have always seen Jessica as another parent because she is that much older and that has continued. If Daddy or I say no to you, you often will try to do an end run around us to her in hopes of getting what you want, but luckily for us she does not often comply. She loves you a lot and loves doting on you. Elizabeth and you have always had a close relationship and that has continued and strengthened, she has always felt a close affinity to you because you both share the blond hair gene.

You are definitely a boy you love all things with wheels and detest "girl toys", you like figuring out how things operate, and you usually try aggression first to solve your disputes. The past few months have been a bit trying for your dad and I as you have found your "no" voice and use it quite often now to assert your authority, as a result you have also learned what time-out means and you are beginning to learn that yelling, hitting and attempting to get your way through arguing will not be tolerated. I know it's a tough life.

It's been a year of firsts for you too, your first sentences are coming out now, you had your first visit to the fair, your first time on a carousal, your first trip to the LBP picnic, even your first time in Church. My very favorite first though is your first ice-cream cone. You were so funny because at first you weren't sure even how to eat it. Then for some strange reason you preferred to try to use your finger to scoop out some ice-cream as opposed to using your tongue. You made quite the mess and I had to get a towel to use as a large bib to try to keep you clean and as you can see from the picture that did not work out too well. What is also amusing to me is that as soon as you decided you were finished you wanted to be clean, you wanted your face wiped and especially your hands clean, you never have enjoyed being dirty. In fact you are neater and tidier than any of your older sisters which is unexpected but appreciated.



For your birthday both your grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Bill and Grandma and Grandpa Byrne came over and we had an awesome party for you. You loved every minute of it and that is what made it a special day for me. I loved being able to give you a party that brought such joy to you. You were also so polite again thanking me at every turn. When I brought the presents out, when I helped you get your loot from the pinata , when I put your cake in front of you, when I gave you your piece, when I helped you get the cars out of the package, when we gave you your truck to take up to bed like it was a stuffed animal. You were so thankful and joyful and that was an awesome gift to me. So thank-you Christopher. I am glad you are my little boy. I love you so much and even though I don't think I could love you more I do find that every day I love you more than the day before.

I love your smile, your laugh, the way you giggle. I love the way your eyes light up when you are around your dad. In this last picture you are holding your favorite truck and looking at your dad and you can see the love in your eyes. I love the way you love music and singing and often sing along with the videos. I love the way you love your sisters, the way you hug them and the way you cuddle with them. The way you say each of their names, the way you say "right?" at the end of each sentence you try to form. I love the way you run, the car noises, yes even the siren noises you make when you play with your cars. I love the way you bat your eyes at me when you are trying to be sneaky, I love the way you sit on my lap, the way you wrestle with me and let me tousle your hair. Quite simply my little man, I love YOU and every little thing about you.