Great Things Come in Threes...

Case in point:

1. Cade Alan, the entertainer.
The boy who made me ME. My first born. The first of the true loves of my life. Words cannot describe the way my handsome little guy brightens each and every day, but here are a few of the many:
a) He is hilarious.
example: Not long ago, I asked him what he wanted for breakfast. Without a thought, he said, "I'll have some eggs, coffee, and the morning paper." He's six.
b) He is brilliant.
example: Daddy taught him his colors at 18 months in about 10 minutes.
c) He is creative.
example: Two teachers were walking into the cafeteria as he was walking out, and he held the door for them and said, "After you, my lovely ladies." If I'm not mistaken, it was in a British accent.
d) He is sensitive.
example: I can't listen to My Immortal by Evanescence without tears being shed.
e) He is thoughful.
example: He saw an infomercial for the Aqua Globe, and said, "Mommy, can we please buy that for Nana so she doesn't have to always water her flowers?"
f) He loves music...and good music at that.
example: He rocks out on Guitar Hero (and air guitar) with the best! Also, on his "Cade's Hits CD", his songs of choice (all songs he came up with off the top of his head in a matter of 30 minutes) were: Photograph (Nickelback), Indian Outlaw (Tim McGraw), Big Yellow Taxi (Counting Crows), We Will Rock You (Queen), Barracuda (Fergie's version), So What (Pink), Supermassive Black Hole (Muse), The Devil Went Down to Georgia (The Charlie Daniels Band), Move Along (All-American Rejects).
A quote from a book that should have been written for Cade, You Are My I Love You, by Maryann K. Cusimano:
I am your finish line;
you are my race.
I am your praying hands;
you are my saving grace.
2. Claire Elise, the old soul.
My middle child, only by a minute, is my only daughter. Claire Bear is beautiful, petite, and quite the little princess. She is the epitome of a little girl. She likes all things pink, frilly, and feminine. Although Claire doesn't shy away from the normal behaviors of a two-year-old, like the occasional tantrum and disobeying, I'm starting to really be able to see her true personality. It's like she is older than she is...like she understands me. I don't mean she understands what I say; I mean she understands ME. There will be certain nights when I think I'm the only one awake, and I'll hear her in her room. I'll check on her and see that she's wide awake. I've brought her into the living room with me, and we'd just rock and spend our mother/daughter time together. I'd quietly talk to her about anything. She looks me in the eyes, like she is truly listening, and she'll stroke my face with the back of her hand, as if she's saying, "I understand, Mommy." I've realized that not only have I given birth to a daughter, but to a friend. Although I'm in no hurry for my children to get older, I am excited to watch her grow into a beautiful young woman. Now, I play with her and her baby dolls. I will be there to guide her hand when she is ready to wear make-up. I will take her to shop for her prom dresses. I will take her to college and she will wipe my tears, as I have and will continue to do for her. I will be there to help her get ready for her wedding and to hold her babies, and God-willing, her children's children. To see that I gave life to another that will eventually give life is something that makes me proud to be a woman. Martina McBride says it best:
In my daughter's eyes, I am a hero. I am strong and wise and know no fear. But the truth is plain to see she was sent to rescue me. I see who I want to be in my daughter's eyes.
3. Mason Edward, the wild child.
My baby boy, Mason, is the youngest by one small minute. Buggies, as we call him, is everything that is boy. He is loud, hyperactive, headstrong, and never stops running. He even has a deep voice--one that we think will not be much unlike Vin Diesel. Mason, like his brother, finds fun in every situation. He is an animal and nature lover. Given the opportunity, he is outside with Daddy and big brother, or "Neener" as he calls him, to play with the dogs or to jump in a pile of leaves and play in the dirt. He could watch birds for hours and gets so excited at the chance to touch a bug (saying "EWWWWW" as he's doing it!) Buggies has a very sensitive side. He is my cuddle bug. He adores his big brother and wants to be where he is at all times. He runs to his sister's aid when she cries (as long as he's not the one making her cry), and he gives out endless hugs and kisses. He shares a language with his twin that only they can understand, and sometimes, I think they're making fun of me. Mason seems to be growing into what appears to be a miniature version of his Uncle Michael's build on Daddy's frame. If this continues to happen along with a Vin Diesel-like voice, we might be looking at a pretty intimidating guy! Mason is my little man with a tender heart. For my youngest, an excerpt from Love You Forever, by Robert N. Munsch:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.