Happy 3rd Birthday, Ethan!

Where did the last year go?  And where did my baby boy go?  I'm not sure exactly, but they seem to have both disappeared overnight.

Ethan, you continue to be the neatest boy I know.  You have this perfect combination of enthusiasm and energy balanced with tenderness and compassion.  You rarely sit still, but so much of that movement is used to love on others.  If I need help with anything, you are the first to run to my side, regardless of what you might be in the middle of enjoying.  I pray that you keep hold of that other-centeredness that God's gifted to you. 

You are a strong and powerful boy already and we've had talks about why God has given you such strength -- for His glory and to help others.  Daddy and I see this in the way you love your sisters, and we're so proud of you.  You already have a sense of protection over them.  It's adorable.  Having never had a big brother growing up, I love imagining the way you will encourage and watch over them as you get older in the way only a good brother can.

Ethan, God has also given you a love for His word.  We read the Bible before bed, and you refuse to skip a night.  You listen closely and often repeat things that you find interesting.  We started memorizing some verses as a family, and you quickly and easily memorized Psalm 1.  I recorded all of you kids reciting it for Daddy for Father's Day, because it's precious.  I pray that you will continue to grow in your love for knowing the Bible.  God will use it in mighty ways to shape you and form you into the boy and man He wants you to be.

You love all of your family, and have a special affection for Uncle Joel right now.  My favorite quote of yours was when you said that when you grow up "you want to be a Joel", as if that was an easily defined profession.  Uncle Joel plays football with you and lets you tackle him, which you're getting very good at doing.  He moved to Dallas recently and you talk about him a lot and seem to miss him, which is sweet.  Many days as you play, you inform me that I have to call you Joel, not Ethan.  It's pretty funny because I don't actually talk to Uncle Joel nearly as much as I talk to you, so when I'm saying "Joel" all day it makes me laugh.  You make me laugh a lot, actually.  You have an awesome sense of humor that exudes joy from within.  People pick up on your joy almost immediately and comment on it often.

I love you, buddy.  Being your mommy is one of the greatest privileges of my life.  I pray often that the training and love you receive from me will grow you to be more like Jesus and help lead you down the path He has for you.  And whatever I do that isn't in His plan will stay out of the way.  I know God has great plans for you.  I pray that you follow Him and trust Him and see all that He has in store for you.  Love, Mommy