Our sweet Hezekiah is three! We celebrated his birthday by driving four hours home and then unpacking our entire van—maybe not the most exciting of birthdays, but the past two weeks have been jam-packed full of fun. Currently Hez is sitting across the living room from me “reading” a crossword puzzle book, so there’s that!

Hezekiah is the sweetest little guy and I have absolutely loved getting to be his mama. This year we have entered into full blown toddler-hood with Hez, meaning he has figured out his voice and is becoming so independent. His newfound independence has tested me on so many different levels and has revealed so much of my heart in return. He has taught me patience, he has taught me joy and he has taught me a whole lot about planes and cars.

This year has been a big year for Hez. We moved houses, took a trip to the smoky mountains, first ER visit, first day of preschool and he is mostly potty trained! Those are HUGE things and it was all squished into one year. I am so proud of him.

Hezekiah could sit through endless amounts of movies, and he loves to play with his toys. His dad is his absolute favorite person, and he loves to play with him. He requests that we sing the “orange plane, green plane, blue plane, yellow plane” song every single night and his favorite food is still waffles. His braveness baffles me and his loyalty to his friends makes me want to be a better friend in return. He is silly and funny and oh so smart. Although there are days where my patience is tested and I feel as though I could go insane, I feel honored to be Hezzy boy’s mama. It is a gift. It is hard, but it is a gift.

Hezzy—I hope you know how deeply loved you are. I hope you feel celebrated every year on your birthday, and know that your dad and I (and so many others) praise God for you. I pray you grow up to be steadfast and strong like your daddy. You are fearfully and wonderfully made and you are absolutely loved by the God who created you. I pray you would love the Lord deeply and genuinely and trust him with your life. You amaze me, and I am so grateful to be your mom. Here’s to being three!

And now I’m a big old sentimental wreck because babies grow up way too fast.