THREE

My favorite number is 3. Matt introduced the number to me when he never let me forget that his favorite basketball player of all time was the number 33...Larry Bird of the Celtics. (I was horrifically reminded by a very torn up Larry Bird tshirt he liked to wear in college and refused to throw away.) It turns out that the captain of his all time favorite baseball team, the Red Sox is also number 33. Nathan was born exactly at 3:33 PM, and I have 3 precious boys. So, the reason is clear that my lucky number is 3.

However, it turns out that 3 has something against me as well...and that is the AGE of 3. In my experience, the power of a 3 year old's personality is overwhelming and difficult to tame. I seem to remember a struggle with a 3 year old Ben, but I'm convinced that a 3 year old Nathan has been much more challenging for me. Nathan seems a bit wiser and a bit more determined than his older brother at that age. Of course, I put in consideration that Nathan is one of 3, and his time and attention are spared. Nathan is the last kid I think about before I fall asleep, and he is the first kid I think about when I wake up...mainly, because he is the one that wakes me up! 3 is a beautiful age in many ways...the year of independence, curiosity, imagination, verbal ability and very interesting perspectives on things. I admit that it is the age that I have to mentally force myself to see the beauty in it as opposed to dwelling and drowning in the challenging aspects of this stage. And to further this thought, perhaps the age of 3 is a blessing in disguise. For me, it is the last phase of "baby-hood," and ultimately, it challenges me most and makes me stronger as a parent.

I realized that I have one more child to experience the 3's with. But, deep inside, I'm hoping that it will be an easier experience, since Owen is the 3rd of the boys. Besides..."Third time's a charm!" Let's hope so!