3...

Boaz turned 3. THREE! Three (for me) is that age that slips right up on me where I realize, almost over night, baby/toddler days have been LONG gone and being a big boy (or girl) just makes sense. Oh, here you are acting like a big boy because you ARE one. You're 3 now!

Naps for this one are a thing of the distant past, though he is a gem and joy from sun up until sun down. He will often quietly fall asleep while reading on the couch should it be close to that bedtime hour. He goes to bed quietly, and his compliant heart made transitioning from crib to twin bed the easiest thing I've ever done! That and potty training.

He likes to 'cook'. He has been the only other child (aside from Sophia) who can sniff out the smells of food, hear the clanging of bowls/utensils, and then as if he's programmed, run and slide the step stool over until it's right tight snug next to me. "You make dinner, Mom?" I love that. Some days it overwhelms me, but for the most part I really love that about my Bo.

He knows what he wants and likes what he likes, and he can very sweetly, though right to the point, persistently change your mind to get what he's looking for. This is one of his strengths from an early age I have seen; he is a gentle strong leader, and this he gets from his dad. His attitude (for a 2 now 3 year old) is consistently the same. Not too much one way or the other. Just perfectly in the middle. The best of both worlds. He gets this from his dad too.

I see a lot of Gabe in this boy. I see that gentle and quiet, though very strong, leader come out in ways only a mother would get to witness. And I give glory to his Maker, because this redeemer has good news to share and people to win for Christ. That's just the kind of heart it takes; persistent and gentle.

His words are not many (like his dad), yet they are soft and affectionate and purposeful (like his dad's as well!) to me. "I love you", "Can I give you a hug Mom?", "You're so pretty Mom" "I'm sorry" "You sit and hug with me" are quick from his soft little lips. They can melt my heart whatever state it's in.

He doesn't venture far, and he's not too daring. He likes to shop with me, loves his daddy and siblings fiercely, and has recently become the clown at the table just to make someone laugh.

Today he told me, "God is with you, Mom. Don't be afraid." And I know in my heart he is saying this not only to me, and often times the others, but to himself. For 3, he seems wise. And for this I give glory to God as well.