Happy Birthday, Yaks!

Dear Yaks,

Happy Birthday, little bud! You are three (free) today. As we've been busy celebrating your birthday today, I've been so impressed with how readily and frequently you share with your sister. You are so much more selfless and giving that I  have ever been, and you are a wonderful example. Even when I come to your defense and explain to Boo that it's your special birthday toys and that she has to wait her turn, you'll say, "Iss okay, Mom. She can jus have it!" You two are good friends the majority of the time, and seem to prefer one another's company over anyone else (except Dad).  

This is your favorite T-shirt.  You call is "Crabby Crawl".  It's been washed so many times, most of the animals have disintegrated and the letters have rubbed off.  It's technically a nightshirt, but you wear it everywhere proudly.

Despite being a boy who loves swords, soldiers, the Book of Mormon war stories, tying knots and not wearing jackets, you are one of the most tender and sweet boys I know. You are so liberal with your "I love you, _____(mom, dad, boo)" that I lose track during the day how much I hear it. It's wonderful. You love to snuggle and sit on laps, and listen to stories, and gently rub our cheeks with your palm. Your top three song requests are: "We Thank Thee O God For a Prophet", "Choose the Right" or "Popcorn".

You reached last year's goal of going to nursery all by yourself! Dad got called into the Bishopric and I was put in as a primary teacher. I fretted and worried about what we were going to do if you were sad, but one day you just went in and had a great time! A true miracle. This year we're tackling the breaking of the binkie habit. I know how you love your dear bee-kee. It's been your friend these many years, but it's ruining your teeth, your bite and your speech! I'm praying with all of my mother faith that you'll be able to break the habit w/o too much trauma. I know you can do it.

You say such funny things. Some of my favorites are when asking me to fix your inside-out clothes, you'll say, "Mom, could you inside this out?" If I don't respond in a timely fashion to a request, you'll say, "Mom, you're not weary doing it!" Lately you'll repeat what I say in a barely audible whisper. I'm not sure why you do it, other than you're just trying to get it processed in your cute head:

Yaks: "Mom, what night is tonight?"

Amy: "Tonight is Family Night. We're going to have a party, because it's your birthday!"
Yaks: "Ith Fanlee night and we're gonna have a party for Ben's birfday."
(and then I have to munch his cheek because he's just so cute)

You are a master at stalling for bedtime. Your sister feels she needs written permission before coming out of her bed to use the bathroom, but you have a list of about 10 excuses with the bedtime routine, which you loudly declare:

"I need cold water wiff ice"

"I'm SO hungry. I need a snack."

"I need a friend" (I think we'll put the new baby in your room)
"I'm having a hard time."
"I have an ouchie and need a band-aid"
"I need a story."

"What are you guys watching down here? Could I watch it too?"

"It's dark in here, I need a light on."
"I need a bee-kee."
"I need a diaper change."
"Will you sing me a song?" (always requested in a whisper)

Your favorite foods are "skettie banoodles" (spaghetti), which we're having for your special dinner tonight, apples (whole, and with the skins on), cheese sticks, juice, cold water "wiff ice", toast and eggies, hangaburs and fries, frosting (the "bread part" or cake isn't as tasty), Starbursts or Rolos, and fruit snacks, of course!

We wish you a happy birthday, today, little monk! Our house would be dull (spotless, but dull) without you.  You bring such joy and fun to our family.  We love you!