My Sweet Trace, On Your Third Birthday

Dear Trace,

I truthfully cannot believe you are three years old, but I know I will be saying this same sentiment each 365 days of your life. You changed our lives three years ago today and the time has flown since then. This year with you has been just as great as the last two years as we have watched your personality grow.

This year you started to love sports and the outdoors even more. You have loved hitting the baseball, watching and playing soccer, attending your first high school football game, and playing basketball. You love to go to your cousins' sports games and pretend you are going to play too. You also love to be outdoors. We spent so much time hiking, playing in the backyard and exploring our neighborhood. You found a true passion for throwing rocks and can do so for hours on end if provided the opportunity. I am excited to see where your sports passion will lead you in the future.

This year you really began to understand what it means to be a big brother. You love to show Henry the way in all things. You are patient with him but also eager to keep moving on when he holds you back since he is younger. You have started to show affection toward him and concern when he is upset. You look out for him and ask to take a treat to him when you receive one and he is not around. He looks up to you so much. He loves to laugh at you and do what you are doing. He loves to chase you and have you chase him. I hope you never lose this love you two have. It has been so special to watch your friendship form and I hope you desire to keep that relationship forever.

This year you have loved holidays, especially your birthday and Christmas. You have grown to love school. You love to explore the different places in St. Louis, especially places that have train tables. You have become "one of the cousins" and love to run and play with your buddies on both sides of the family. You have become even more articulate and funny with your expressive and creative language. You have grown your love for music, including singing and drumming.

James Tracy Mueth, my sweet three year old boy, I could not be more proud of you. You are funny, fun, handsome, empathetic, passionate, creative, smart and athletic. You brighten my day and show me how to love better. You are sometimes timid and teach me how to help you overcome challenges in life. You have brought me through some difficult times simply by laughing and loving and living. I could not love you any more and I could not be more excited to see how you continue to grow into such a great young man. I am lucky to be your mom.

Love you always,

Mom