Aksel turns three

Dear Aksel, 

You're three years old! I can't believe it. It's so exciting and so happy. I love watching you grow and learn new things and hear you say new things. I love watching you jump from something high. I love hearing you call out for Lilly. I love seeing you give Ingrid her water bottle. I love hearing you sing Follow the Prophet at the top of your lungs. I love the way you lean into me for anything you need. I love the way your little, thick hand reaches out for mine. I love the way you grab my face and kiss me. I love your heart. I love how gentle and good and kind you are. Thank you for coming to me three years ago. Thank you for being such a good baby and such an understanding brother. 

During the past month you've learned to sleep in a bed, played in the Braun's backyard with Kali and Yara, learned to ride a scooter, watched a duck race, really figured out how to defend yourself and retaliate against Otto, spent a day in Frankfort and a weekend in Belgium, walked into the ocean, touched an open flame, ate a lot of chicken nuggets, went to a butterfly garden, got bit in nursery, woke up at 6 am consistently, and solidified your interest in trains. 

You're a good little boy. You're sweet, you're loving, you're good. I love when you ask me to sing to you. I love when you yell, come here mama! I love when you run full speed from the front door to my legs in the kitchen. I love when you try to climb up a slide. I love when you select a flower or a bush or a blade of grass that you'd specifically like to pee on. I love when you scoop up your carrots from your plate and eat them all in one bite. I love when you sing the Chuggington theme song at the top of your lungs. Happy birthday, little buddy.