My Funny Valentine

Three...and a HALF.

Valentine's Day is a sweet day around here and 

a halfway point for a certain little boy. 

Dear Jackson,
In the past six months there has been a lot going on for you. Shortly after you turned three we sent you to preschool for the first time. You have loved every single day. You leap out of the car each morning, excitedly grab the hand of the teacher who greets you, and practically drag her to the building to get your day started. You have learned many things in these first six months of school. And you have taught us many things in return.

One of the biggest lessons we have learned since sending you to school is how your brain works. We always knew you were "quick", but apparently you are "exceptionally intelligent". {Translation: Our fears were confirmed. You're smarter than both of your parents.} This intelligence, however, has a "catch". We have learned that you have sensory processing issues. At first this scared us not knowing how to help you navigate your little world. Your voracious ability to learn can also overwhelm you. But our fears have been conquered because we love a God who is bigger than any of our inadequacies and He has placed you in exactly the right school, in exactly the right classroom and equipped each of those teachers with the gifts to teach you and help you. They have given us endless resources to read and use with you at home. I have been reminded many times regarding this new understanding of you:

~Genesis 50.19-20 ~

Do not be afraid...You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good...

And for His good it will be. And not just for you, Jackson, but for your Mama. You are a living opportunity for my sanctification. I am grateful for you in so many ways. But the my deepest gratitude reflects my daily surrender to not rely upon my own understanding. I want to glorify God in my parenting of you. And with His help I will. {Isaiah 42.16}

Some things in the last six months have remained the same.

You are still a great eater. Between your third birthday and November you had a growth spurt and grew 2.5in. In those weeks before the growth spurt I got a glimpse of how you'll be as a teenager eating me out of house and home.

You still love everything about firetrucks and firefighters. You "play fireman" every day. Every. Day. And if I would let you, you would watch "Lots & Lots of Firetrucks" several times a day.

You love to play outside. This rainy winter has driven you {& your Mama} crazy. You have begged me several times on a rainy day to let you go out. I'm looking forward to the warmer - and dryer - days ahead.

Finally, Jackson you are learning to be a great big brother. Thank you for loving Henry and "teaching" him all the fun things to do. He is so blessed to have you as his big brother.

I love you sweet boy.
Mama