I love the way you throw your legs over me when we nurse you to sleep.

I love the way you snuggle into me, and how your head has to be touching me at all times. How you wiggle yourself up into my armpit and sleep so soundly there.

I love how you will come up to me and give me spontaneous hugs, and much of the time when I say, “I love you,” you will say, “I yu yoo, Mama” in return. My heart melts like butter every time.

I love how when you’re excited about something, you will say, “Yahoo!” and do a little happy dance that involves you waving your arms and body around.

I love how expressive you are. You will look at something, gasp, and say, “Oh, WOW,” like it is the most amazing thing you’ve ever seen.

I love the smile of delight on your face and in your eyes when we do something that pleases you. Or when you receive a present.

I love how, “I do mysef, Mama.” Almost all the time now.

I love how when I ask you to use your words and give you examples of what you can say, you take it on and do that next time.

I absolutely love listening to you and watching you in your imaginative play. You are rich with ideas and stories that you tell through your play. I love how you involve us in that play, as well.

I love how any time you have two of ANYTHING, they will be made to have a conversation with each other. Your instructions are always, “Mama (or Daddy), you play _______.” Once we’re in place, the conversation always begins with, “Hey, _______.”

I love how you always want us to be equal. You like if we all wear the same colours, or all wear shoes at the same time, even the same kind as much as possible. If one of us wears a jacket, either we all have to or one of us needs to take that jacket off.

I love how every day you’re grasping more and more new concepts. I love how you keep blowing my mind with what you understand.

I LOVE listening to you sing! Every time you play with Mac lately, you’ll sing “Life is a Highway”, just like in the Cars movie. I crack up laughing every time. It is SO adorable!

I love how you know EVERY line from the Cars movie, and you act out scenes from the movie ALL the time with your cars. I love how right now as I type this, you and your Daddy are playing Mater and Lightning, and you’re tractor tipping.

I LOVE how you will ask me if something is okay before you so it when you’re not sure. You will look at me, state your intent, and await my response. Or you will say it in a questioning way.

I love how you always say, “Tanks, Mama!” when I bring you something, even if you didn’t request it.

I love watching you grow up. Thank you, Kiernen, for being my sweet son.