On the eve of your third birthday, I am beginning to write this letter that I may not finish for two weeks because I have so much I want to tell you. All week I tried to convince you to just remain two, but you would really wanted to be three. Actually, you told me that you would turn three and then be two again later.

You are my second boy, my little boy of joy.

Your imagination is amazing; you are our only child that can play “pretend.” Just this week you had a wooden pig standing on a stool with the other little people looking at the pig. You kept saying that the pig was telling them about Jesus and singing “Hallelujah.” It is great see you making up games with the little people and imaginary stories. This year you told me that you were born in a manger. However, we are finding that we need to teach you the fine line between imagination and lying.

You like being a big boy but you do still love to snuggle. There are some days I wish that I could just snuggle on the couch with you all day. You still have one of the greatest laughs I have ever heard. You love to sleep and still take a great nap EVERYDAY.

Books. You love books. You love to carry them around the house. Have mommy and daddy read them to you. Sleep with at least four every night.

You are really into Play-Doh and anything art. Painting. Gluing. Drawing. Cutting. Cutting and Play-doh are your favorite things.

You are undeniably a Daddy’s boy at this season of your life, which is too precious.

You love music and sing to us every morning at breakfast. At times it is extremely loud but we enjoy the moments because we know they will quickly pass.

Remember that your a brother and sister are your best friends for all of your life. Love others and treat them the way you want to be treated. Judd, I pray that you would to love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind. I pray that you will never stop radiating joy to all those around you. Your daddy and I pray that you will love the Lord with all of your heart, accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior at a young age and live for Him your whole life.

December 14

The day finally arrived. Your third birthday. I wanted to be the one to get you out of your bed for the last time. Today, you are a big boy and you start sharing a room with Jake. I walked into your room this morning and said “Happy Birthday! Did you really turn three?” you replied, “Yes, but you can still hold me.” This is a priceless statement coming from you. You always want someone to hold you so it just melted my heart to know that you had not out grown being held.

I took this picture as he was waking up. This was right before he told me that I could still hold him.

This year we said good bye to “I am freezing told,” I am told (cold) told told,” and “I am a smart tookie.” I will miss seeing you hold up two fingers when asked your age. I will miss seeing you sleep with 4 stuffed animals, 6 motorcycles, 12 books, two pillows, and two blankets in your crib. I will miss TWO! However, I look forward to seeing you ride you bike, share a room with your brother, play soccer in the Spring, and grow in so many different areas this year. I love you Judson Hunter.