Three Years-Old: Happy Birthday, Tate!

Tate’s birthday is around the corner (July 1). We’re having a simple birthday party at home. I’ll serve basic snacks and then use the cake recipe from The Art of Simple Food to make a birthday cake with a big 3 in blueberries. I honestly don’t think we’ll do anything else in terms of games or favors. I think we’ll just play in the backyard! 

Another part of our birthday rituals is to write Tate a letter about his year. We print it and put it into his scrapbook. Here’s his letter for this year:

—

Dearest Tate,

What a year! I can’t believe you are now three. This fall you will be entering Children’s House. You are so ready! You love to work. You are always busy tying cords up, putting books and toys in a bag to carry around, stacking things up, etc.

You also love wrestling. You ask us to wrestle you quite frequently, and you can very quickly shift your weight and pin us all down.

You also love to sing songs. You make up a lot of your own lyrics. This year you’ve started talking so much. One day you said to me, “Mama, your pants are lovely.” If we ask you, “Do you know how much I love you?” You say, “360 trucks, firetrucks, police cars, and airplanes.”

Henry continues to be your very favorite. Danger the Pig is a close second. You also love, love, love your teachers at school and your friends. You also like reciting lists of people who love you.

You are an incredibly empathetic person. You readily notice how others are feeling and respond with concern and care.

You are really strong riding your balance bike, and right now you are learning how to swim. You love jumping into us over and over again. 

You don’t really wear bathing suits when you swim in the backyard, and you hate wearing underwear. You say, “It’s too hot.” 

I guess that’s what happens when you are “Born a Horn” and live in Central Texas! 

Tate, you bring so much to our family, and we are so lucky to get to live this life with you. Thank you for bringing so much light into the world! 

With love,

Your family