Tucker is 3

Happy 3rd Birthday Tucker!!!

Dear Tucker,

The mom who said that the bond between a father and a daughter was something very special apparently never had a son. You, my son, are a precious gift from God that continues to give more and more each day. You live life passionately. Your compassion for your sisters is so sweet and sometimes short lived. You are the the epitome of the "protective brother" to both of your sisters. You indulge your older sister and are her permanent dancing partner, dress-up dummy and best friend. You enjoy making your little sister laugh and sometimes you try to instigate things to make her mad....most of the time you succeed in your endeavors. Paislee adores you and she loves to have your attention.

Tucker, sometimes you test our (especially your mom's) patience like no one we've ever known. One minute you tell us one thing just to contradict yourself 30 seconds later. At bedtime, you call us up numerous times after we have tucked you in and told you good-night just so we can take you to the bathroom one more time. Secretly...We think you just want to see us one more time. You have a smile that could pierce the heart of any person. You have the personality that could charm anyone. I think you get your personality from your daddy. You have such a tender heart that if we get irritated with you or scold you the tone of our voice can put crocodile tears on your cheeks in a heartbeat.

Growing up with all sisters and having mostly girl cousins, I did not become real familiar with a boys personality until my nephews came along. Then, at that point I was not with them 24/7 to learn the DNA that these mysterious boys have. When I became the mom of a son, I understood things much more. For example, I learned that boys are hard wired to make the sound of a car, truck or tractor, they can make any long object into a sword and turn any other object into a gun. Need I go on? I have discovered that no matter how many times you are told something, scolded or grounded you will continue to throw, hit, jump on something or someone about every 15 minutes. As a little boy...150% little boy...you are consumed with all things flatulence. Talking about it, making the pretend noises or really doing it can keep you busy for hours. In your mind there is nothing funnier than the making the pretend noises just to get the attention of your sisters or parents.

Tucker, you are becoming quite the little prayer at dinner and bed time. You so enjoy Sunday school and going to church. Our prayer is that you continue to have a longing to search out God and love Him unconditionally. We pray each year as you continue to grow and mature that you will be a godly man who has a heart of compassion for the Lord.

Tucker we hope that you had a fantastic third birthday. We can not wait to see what happens in the coming year. You bring so much fun and excitement to our family. And (I'm not gonna lie...) you are adding a few grey hairs to our head. But we love every minute of it.

We love you Tuck!