Happy 3rd Birthday, Rudy!

Rudy, Rudy, Rudy,

Where do I begin with your letter this year?  This year has been an adventure.  As challenging as the terrible 2's have been with you, I wouldn't trade a minute.  There is nothing you can do or say that will change how much I love you…not when you are 3, not when you are 103.

You are truly one of a kind.  There is no one else quite like you and that makes you so special (and me so special to get to be your mom).  You are passionate, strong-willed, loving, smart, full of surprises, ornery, mischievous, funny, bossy, happy, brave, caring, thoughtful, and kind.  You love to party, whether its a pizza party for just us or a crowded birthday party, and you have some killer dance moves.  It's hard to talk about you or think about you without smiling.  You don't stop talking or asking, "why?".  Your smile and laughter is infectious.  

Your dad is your best friend.  The two of you are like two peas in a pod.  You look the same, act the same, and think the same.  You are so in love with him.  He is a wonderful role model for you to have and we are so lucky to have him.

Everything baseball.  Baseball, baseball, baseball.  If it's baseball related, you're happy.  Your favorite thing to do is hit balls off your tee.  And you are quite a slugger.  Seeing the complete joy on your face when you hit a "home run" over the brick wall is awesome.  It makes me so happy to see you happy.  Your Grandpa Rudy was a baseball player; maybe you not only have his name but his baseball skills as well.

Another year, another sibling.  And you have stepped up to the plate like the amazing big brother you are.  You take care of Avery and Ben so well.  When they wake up you always want to give them a kiss good morning, and a hug and kiss before bed.  I can't deny that you aren't rough on them at times, but you'll learn better soon.            

Three is going to be a big year for you with the start of preschool.  You are going to start learning all kinds of new things so fast and from other people besides your dad and I.  I wish I could shelter you forever, hide the negative, hide any hurt or failures from you.  But I can't.  We need all types of people in our lives and and all kinds of experiences to shape who we will become.  I hope you listen to the good and learn from the bad, and what you learn at home is what leads you...

With that in mind, I have a few words of advice for you:

Everything happens for a reason.  It is not always clear what the reason is, but God has a plan.  Trust in Him. 

Take care of your brother and sister, as I hope they will do the same for you and each other - No matter what your siblings are your family.  (But that doesn't mean buying them alcohol when they are still underage)

You can do anything you set your mind to.  And it's ok to change your mind sometimes.

Treat others with respect and kindness - you never know what someone is going through.  A smile goes a long way.  Or as Gran would say, "Kill them with kindness."  (Which means stop hitting…please)

Help when you can - someday you may be the one in need.

Choose your friends wisely.  Surround yourself with people that bring out the best in you and challenge you to be better.  As your dad would say, "You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friend's nose."

Show your appreciation - thank God when you pray.

Be a good sport.  Winning isn't always everything.

Make smart choices (that's another one from Gran).  Three little words, one short phrase that applies to so much.

Think before you speak.

Don't put off until tomorrow what can be done today.

Keep your word, whether its a promise to yourself or a promise to another.

No one is perfect, we all have our flaws.  Choose to focus on the good in people.

And one last one I learned from Gran, if you ever don't know the words to a song, just mouth "watermelon" over and over and it'll look like you do.

Never stop having fun, learning, or loving.

Take after your Dad, he's the best.

Say, "I love you." - Don't leave home or go to bed without doing so.

May the love your dad and I have for you guide you always.

And even though you are three, always remember:

I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always,

As long as I'm living

my baby you'll be.

-Robert Munsch

You may not be the baby in our family any more.  And you certainly aren't a baby anymore, either.  But you'll always be my baby.  No matter what.   

I love you unconditionally and always will.  I'm so proud to be your mom.  Thank you for being you.

Happy birthday, Rudy.

Love, Mom

Rudy,

Can’t believe you are three!!!  This has been one crazy year and like always you took it like a champ.  We welcomed the 5^th member to our family, your baby brother Ben.  Once again you proved how great of a big brother you are!  You show your little sister and brother so much love.  You have your moments where you probably don’t want them around and maybe get annoyed with them, but you are allowed those times like any big brother.

You have grown in so many ways in the past year.  You are talking A LOT more.  You have begun to show a little independence. I stress “a little” because you love to be around people, especially your mom.  Your love for sports has continued, especially for baseball.  You are absolutely obsessed with baseball, that’s all you want to do is hit balls off the tee.  Also you were on your first soccer team this year.  But most important you are such a sweet and kind little kid.  You are always giving hugs and kisses.  I hope if nothing else you never loose how sweet and kind you are, those are the most important things about you.  Your enthusiasm for life hasn’t changed at all either, you are so eager to learn something new no matter what it is.  

The most important thing that you can do is be a great son to your mom and dad, and also a great brother to Avery and Ben.  This year you have excelled at that.  We are so lucky to have you as our son.

Like always I need to thank you for making me a better man.  You make me better in so many ways.  There are times when you challenge my patience and I learn from those times.  You make me want to continue to work out so I can be around you for as long as possible.  You make me realize how wonderful things are and appreciate every minute that I am around.  

I love you so much and would do anything in the world for you.  Happy birthday to the greatest son and big brother in the world. 

Love, Dad