3-1/2

Sweet Turner-Lou -

Today is the day you officially turn 3-1/2!!! (although you have up-ed your age to 3-1/2 for several months now)! Some days I forget how young you are -- you can be so wise and can be such an awesome companion to your mom, especially when Daddy's out of town. You talk with such big words and have such insightful questions. You constantly amaze me and keep me on my toes. I pray you will always be "my baby," even when you are a beautiful, grown woman.

You are an incredible big sister. You take your role very seriously (always have!), and you know how to make your brother laugh better than any of us. The other night, he was screaming so relentlessly from a sinus infection, and I offhandedly said, "Turner, listen to your brother. What can I do for him?!" You -- very seriously -- replied, "Go in there, Mommy. Rock him, give him a kiss and his pap, and he'll be ok." You are so nurturing and helpful, and I pray you and Parker will always be companions on the road of life.

You are a very proud preschooler. You love "carpool" and "lunch bunch" (even though it hasn't started yet, you love it). You love your teachers, your friends and everything about it. It is so fun to watch you hop out of the car in the morning and hear about all you learned each afternoon. It is hard to believe in just a short time, you will be in school every day. I will miss you so much! I pray your enthusiasm for learning will always be strong.

You adore your family. You talk about your cousins and grandparents all the time. All your friends now know the state called "South Carolina," since you are constantly telling people about your adventures there. I pray you will always know the love of family and extended family and never forget where you came from.

You love to know the plan. This, you came by honestly, I admit. First thing in the morning, you want to know what we are doing that day, and last thing at night, you want me to tell you about "our great day tomorrow." I pray you will always greet each new day as an exciting possibility.

You love to read. You honestly can't get enough. It is such a blessing! You graduated to chapter books and love them. Just the other night when we were reading, you asked me what "gasped" meant. You are absorbing so much. You also love for us to tell you stories. You must ask me to "make up a story" a dozen times a day. In the car. At the dinner table. In the bath. Anywhere. Modesty aside, I have actually come up with some decent material lately, since I'm finally in practice. Being your mom is like taking a creative writing class every day! It's fun for both of us! I pray you will always understand and be drawn to the power of the written word.

You are a monkey. You love to climb and do tricks and swing higher. You LOVE gymnastics and look forward to pushing yourself to climb higher on the rope ladder, jump farther or do a better bridge. Just today, we went to the castle playground and you climbed to the top of this chain thing -- something you couldn't do a few short months ago. You were so proud of yourself. I pray you will continue to reach higher, accept the challenges before you and climb to new heights.

You like to win. Yes, this one is no surprise, either. The genetics are strong. You are in to being the fastest up the stairs at bath time. The first in the tub. The first in pjs. The biggest. Etc. Etc. This trait -- when directed -- can be a huge asset. I pray you can channel your energy and desires into achieving YOUR goals and not always worrying about who is racing next to you.

You know what you want and you can do it yourself. Most mornings, you have dressed and brushed your teeth before you come into our room and say, "Ta-Da!" You like to pick out your breakfast, your shoes, your pjs, your towel, your cup, etc., etc. You like to help with everything and are really quite competent. You just learned to hook your seatbelt and love doing it. I feel blessed to have the extra hands most of the time. I pray your independence and confidence will continue to make you strong, but that you will not be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Turner, you are a gift from God. We are so, so blessed He loaned you to us. We treasure every day with you and can't wait to see what is in store for 3-3/4!!!

Love,
Mommy