At three you can still be considered a toddler, but Archie, when you wake up you will be four and I will have to admit that that phase of your life has passed. The countdown to school has began and you are ready for it in so many ways. Really, you stopped being a toddler quite a while ago but behind the excitement of each new stage, I am reluctant to let go of the last one.
Three was the year we cut off your beautiful hair and I cried real tears in the middle of the hairdressers. I have found peace with your new style and it suits you. You are never mistaken for a girl anymore, it doesn't get in your face as you run and hair washes are so much easier. It was the right choice (I will begrudgingly admit) but I did love your long blonde locks.
Every year you change so much and I can see quite how much you have grown since I wrote to you one year ago. You are still exactly the same though, unapologetically you, determined, loyal, loving and wild. I wrote as you turned two about how you were happier with your brother around and that is still true - you fit in perfectly in our big family, a playful little brother and a loving big one. You and Dylan are the best of friends (although you fight like only brothers can), you and Finn are becoming real playmates now and you are so caring with Cora. I look at the photos from the day before you turned one and I still recognise those expressions, that you.
You are happiest naked and have refused to wear any form of pyjamas or clothes around the house for a while now. You have no problem snuggling under a blanket with me though, warming your icy feet on my skin and cuddling in close. You still love to cuddle and I have to admit you give the best cuddles. You can cheer me up in seconds with you arms around my neck and I dread the day you stop wanting to be so close.
Your imagination has really developed this year, you talk absolute nonsense sometimes and you and Dylan are often in your own world together. I love listening at your door after I put you to bed as you stay up and chat and watching you playing with your Lego, singing made up songs as you do. This imagination did lead to the 'Mystery bandit' in our house who was responsible for all kinds of mischief and was never seen at the same time as you. He has thankfully gone now although things are still blamed on him (by all members of the family).
At three you were bright, sociable, loving, energetic and bold. You have learned to concentrate on things a little better, sit still a little longer, climb a little higher and communicate a little clearer. I can't wait to see what adventures four has in stock for you.
Before you turn four, as I kiss you goodnight for the last time as my three year old, I just want you to know how truly loved you are
Before you turn four, as I kiss you goodnight for the last time as my three year old, I just want you to know how truly loved you are
I remember feeling the same way when my daughter turned four! That there's not an inch of toddler left. Happy birthday Archie! x
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written. Happy birthday Archie x
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post! :)
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