My baby boy is growing up.

Three years ago today, this is what we saw:

Three years ago today, my precious son was brought into the world and completed our family.

Three years ago today, I was a rush of emotions: elated at the birth of my son, scared silly because of all the unexpected medical issues that came up (jaundice, low blood levels (I now forget what), difficulty breathing). In hindsight, I think he was just hungry and wish I could have put that together then. But then -- June 24 was one of the hardest days of my life. Mercifully, everything was just fine, despite the early scare.

We chose to name him Dominic because (1) we love the name, and (2) it means "Belonging to God." We acknowledge from the start that are children are truly God's children and are only on loan to us. We gave our children back to God from the second we knew them -- and trust that He will lead us as we help to steer them through this life. My mother in law said, during the turbulent hours after Dominic's birth, that God's honoring his little name sake, proving that Dominic does in fact belong to Him, and that He'd take care of him. In another ironic twist, the blanket that she crocheted for Dominic was made from a pattern called "Angel's Wings." He simply calls it his "rainbow blanket" -- but sleeps with it every night. God certainly sent his angels to watch over Dominic in the first days of his life.

Dominic James came into this world a whirlwind, and has been one ever since! He's the cutest, most charming, most perfect whirlwind you'll ever meet. He's a little light that shines for all, and draws everyone to him.



So what's he up to now that he's three? Well, he's about 38 pounds, about 3 feet tall (guess I need to go to the doc to get exact measures). He's in size 9 shoes and size 4T clothes. He's day potty trained and dry most mornings. He's got an over-full vocabulary which he loves to use as often as possible (in other words, he's never quiet). He loves to read, do puzzles (which he's quite good at), play baseball, play with cars and trains. He's about as stereotypical "all boy" as you can get. At the same time, he's a little snuggler; more than willing to share hugs and kisses. He loves to laugh, and loves it even more if he can make you laugh. We joke that he's his Great Grandpa Richard reincarnate. The stories about Grandpa tell of a man who always has a mischevious twinkle in his eye. He'll "do something wrong" but do it with a grin and get out of trouble every time. He's completely endearing and knows how to work his way out of whatever mess he's gotten himself into.

My precious boy, I'm so thankful that God gave you to me. Happy Third Birthday! You are pure joy!