At Three

Preston is three years old today.  Being the younger brother and second child, he has always seemed older to me than his age.  Perhaps we forced him to grow up faster, perhaps he just chose it so he could keep up with Matt.  Either way, he seems older than 3 to me.

Preston is a lover of all things cars. And trucks. And trains. And tractors.  Did I mention cars?  Matt used to (and still does) like cars, but Preston takes it to a whole new level.  Not a trip to Meijer or Target goes by without a request to visit the car aisle.  And of course, no visit to the car aisle can exist without a request for a new car. {Damn you, Matchbox and Hot Wheels with your 99 cent cars!}

He’s the one who will remember Daisy as his dog when he gets older. He loves her.  Matt loves her, too, but he could honestly take or leave her, I think.  Preston wants to be near her, petting her, playing with her, hugging her.  The joy on his face when he plays with her is fantastic.

I remember when I got pregnant with Preston – I was so afraid that I wouldn’t know how to love him as much as his big brother.  People told me it wouldn’t be an issue, and they were right.  My heart grew to encompass that little boy as if he were the only baby on earth.

When we brought him home, Matt immediately wanted to start playing with him.  He would bring him toys and hang out right near him, just waiting for that moment when his baby brother would be ready.  Preston has a good big brother in Matthew.  I am so thrilled with how they get along (you know, like 85% of the time).  I hope they stay good friends as they get older.

Preston, at three, is a total ham.  He is goofy and silly and smart.  He makes great faces and even greater noises.  And his big brown eyes? Killer.  He is my cuddler, even now.  He gives the best hugs and when he needs some loving, he’s right in my lap.  It’s awesome.  Unfortunately, those big brown eyes and goofy grins make it hard to discipline him.  Inevitably, he’s got us laughing before we can tell him what he is doing is wrong.

I’m looking forward to having some alone time with him once Matt goes to school.  It will be fun to see what he does with himself all day without his big brother around.

Happy Birthday, baby.