Dear Jed: This age

Dear Jed,

I had someone come up to us the other day in the supermarket, ask how old you were and say "ah isn't it the best age" and it got me thinking, because in amongst the daily battles, (I mean how many times do I need to ask you to find your shoes or be gentle with your brother before I lose my mind) it is sometimes easy to get a bit lost and not be able to see the woods for the trees. Because when I think about it, yes, this is such a great age... But boy, is it a seesaw of a ride.

For every boundary pushed there are countless more new things you're learning.

And

For every argument we have, there's a 100 conversations where you either remind me of something that happened ages ago (your memory is superb!), or create a whole story or situation that has me giggling, or just chat away enthusiastically.

You are fascinated by vehicles, especially anything with a siren, and tractors and are constantly on the look out for them on every journey. Like today, you were curious if we'd see any on the way to Knettishall and you came out with "Lila keep your eyes out for a police car or ambulance or fire engine (you get more excited as you go through each one) but not you mummy". I asked why not and you said "because you've got to keep your eyes on the road of course!" which made us chuckle. You then proceeded to tell Lila about when we saw a fire engine a few weeks ago on the way to see Rach and Max. You have so much passion for these things, it's a joy to hear you talk about them.

You like me to read you "a made up story in your head" at the moment, and you get so excited by all the little details and get me to add to it all the time. I love how creatively your mind works.

So although yes there are days when I feel like a broken record, or the biggest kill joy. I can't help it, on top of all the fun learning that is so important, I also do need you to eat some tea, or get ready for bed, or not squeeze your brother too hard...  (you always find your dad so much more fun) or that we've clashed more than we've clicked, I just wanted to write down how much I do love this age.

You can be stubborn, but I'm glad you know your own mind.

You can be easily distracted but you find interest in everything.

You can be sometimes annoyingly (sorry) repetitive but you are so passionate about what you like.

You can be heavy handed but yet also incredibly sweet and kind.

In short...

You are bright.
You are inquisitive.
You are cheeky.
You are hilarious.
You are brave.
You are a sweetheart.
You are confident.

You are three.

Love always,
Mummy x