Happy Birthday Sydney

Hi there Bubba. It's me, mommy. While you technically turned 3 four days ago, I'm just getting around to writing this today. Why, you ask? Well, I've been thinking of the words I want to say to you. Kind, sweet, loving, thoughtful, encouraging, introspective words that will send you off for another year of childhood. But after four days, this is what keeps running through my mind. "You drive me crazy kid."

Please don't hold it against me, or blame me years later for all your woes because your mommy was just a tad too honest. I have plenty of video footage to hold as proof of my words, so don't make me break it out. You are stubborn, persistent, impatient, and ornery. Your screams make the fruit fall from the trees. You constantly yell a request/demand at me over and over again until it is fulfilled, even when I've told you I hear you and am in the process of obliging said request. You yell at me, "Do you HEAAARRRR ME?" Yes, Sydney, I heard you and the neighbors ten houses down heard you too.  You won't even let me give you a kiss.  When I sneak one in you scream at me and yell "Wipe it OFFFF!"  At three, you have absolutely no interest in potty training or moving to a big boy bed, or pedaling.  You prefer for us to do all those things for you.  Some may say you just want to stay the baby.  I have a sneaking suspicion you might be just a tad bit lazy.

But here's the thing.  For all the reasons you drive me crazy, I have a list doubly long for why I love you like crazy.  Of course there's the squishy cheeks, the amazingly awesome hair, and the cutest little bubble butt.   But there's also the charm, like when you say out of the blue, "I luff you mommy."  Or the sense of humor just like your daddy's.  Or the way you're all boy, preferring your cars collection to anything else, and how you're rough and tumble and can hang with the big kids.  You are my baby, you are my only boy, you are my sunshine.  I love you and your crazy, wacky personality, and know that some day, those traits will take you far.  I pray that your strength, charm and sincerity turn you into an amazing man.  I love you Sydney, my Bubba.

And now, some pictures from your birthday that show a peek into your many moods...

Hooray!  Mommy and Daddy made it through another year and didn't have to be sent to the loony bin!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SYDNEY!