This year was a big one for Liam, he became a brother, he learned how to put on his own shoes and socks, he attempted potty training (attempted, not mastered), he became one of the 'big kids' in nursery, and he really started figuring things out for himself.
SO many changes this year and lots of growing pains for all of us, but most importantly, lots of progress! Something about a 3 year old is so much more intimidating than a 2 year old. He has genuine questions, he cares about what I think of him, he has desires and he's learning how to get what he wants, the right ways and the wrong ways. Liam is so many things...
Liam is a sponge. He remembers everything, especially what he hears, but also what he see's, experiences, tastes, and even thinks about. I call him my little computer because I feel like he is always downloading new data, input after input of new information and the only real struggle is figuring out how to help him recall the right stuff at the right times. He knows how to share, he's familiar with the concept, its consequences, its payoff, but he struggles prioritizing his actions. As most toddlers do. Regardless, he takes in whats around him and it excites me and scares me all at once.
Liam is a cuddle bug. He didn't used to be this way but the past years has shown us a new leaf being turned over in Liam and we can now touch him without making him feel claustrophobic. In fact, he often grabs my leg, holds on tight and says, "Hug time!". He genuinely loves the physical affection now but on occasion, he'll use the sweetness to delay nap time, knowing full well that i cant resist snuggles on the couch with my Liam. He also loves kisses in all their varieties, real ones "big ones", "Little Ones", Eskimo kisses and butterfly kisses. If we're watching a movie together as a family, I feel so lucky that my little crush always wants a seat next to me so we can hold hands.
He's logical. Liam loves to have fun but if things get a little too silly for his liking, he's been known to remind everyone of the facts. He likes to have fun, but, like his mama, he likes to make sure the teasing doesn't go too far and he likes everyone to be in on the joke (which sometimes ruins the joke, but he means well) I think he sincerely wants to be sure his reality is the same as ours. I can tell there is a lot of processing going on in that serious little mind of his.
He's a spectacular big brother! He is still not familiar with the tenderness that's required with little humans but he knows exactly how to love them. He makes Matix laugh every day and tells me all about it. When he leaves a room, he tells Matix where he's going and assures him that he'll come back to take care of him soon. He lets Matix pull his hair and win every wrestling match and each morning I wake to them giggling in Matixs crib which excited all of us for when they'll share a room!
He's a practicer! Anything he tries, he has confidence he can get better! I would like to take credit for this beautiful trait but Liam and exquisitely self-motivated. He practices and practices at what he loves and has a sure knowledge that if he wants to acquire a set of skills, he has to practice and it will come. That's not to say he never gets discouraged but it is a fleeting occurrence, and he's gets back up when he's reminded to keep trying. It not just a belief with him, he KNOWS that with practice, he can do anything, which is why he is an excellent soccer player, archer, climber and jumper.
He's a nursery veteran. He is by far, the oldest in his nursery which is something I struggled with this year as all of his friends moved up to sunbeams and he was left behind but we've encouraged him to be a example and a "protector of the littles" and I'm loving watching his social skills change and develop in a new environment.
He's concerned. Liam is a worrier like him mama and its been a challenge for me to figure out how to teach him what took me too long to learn. He's concerned about what everyone is doing, if it's right or wrong, if he's doing whats right, if he's getting what he wants. He's a perfectionist and a driven creature of routine. I love the way his mind work and I pray everyday that I'll be able to give him the safety, love and security he needs to know that without control over every situation, we can still be happy and enjoy the chaos that life is sometimes. And most importantly we're learning that we only have control over our own happiness and actions, or as Liam would like to say "Me worry about me and you worry about you"
He LOVES to serve. Saturday is service day around here, whether its simply helping mom pick weeds, helping dad with projects, doing yard work for the neighbors, racking leaves or mowing lawns with grandpa or making cookies to deliver to ward members throughout the week, we try to find ways to serve on Saturday and it's become Liams favorite thing. If I ask him what he wants to dream about before I tuck him in, he often says " I want to dream that we go visit my neighbors and help them!". His favorite forms of service are, helping pick up trash, delivering cookies to neighbors and anything with a shovel or rake.
Liam is my greatest joy and my greatest challenge, I love his three year old little self and the way he strives for knowledge and growth. He's a motivation to me to be better and try new things. He's getting braver and more confident and I hope this year is a year of carefreeness, becoming a helper, discovering new hobbies and preforming greater service.
Love you, my not -so-little Liam!
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