Dear Emmanuel,
Happy Birthday! Today you are three years old, and still a delight to us all. You love baby penguins, puppies, and anything else that is a baby. You love to pretend to be a puppy, maybe because as my most middle child you are seeking my attention. But darling, as I often remind you, you have my love always and when you need a mama snuggle you have only to ask.
Because of your love for penguins, we tried to make our first "specialty" cake. I baked and made the frosting, your Papa decorated it. It turned out a little bluer than anticipated, but you and your siblings loved it. They helped you decorated the table and fan in penguins too, and I impulsively bought you a baby penguin stuffed animal at the grocery store. You didn't even notice the lack of a special date or the lack of balloons. You had your special pizza and your cake and your little "Pingu" and you were so happy.
You still love music, and do the most adorable head bobbing finger snapping dance the moment you hear the first notes of "The Fox" by Nickel Creek. It is currently your favorite song, although you are enjoying the silly songs with Larry that I've recently introduced to your world. You also like Fatoumata Diawara, Playing for Change, and anything else that moves you. You feel the beat inside of you, like your dad. I love watching you when the music turns on.
You are starting to love your little brother more, although getting along with him is still a struggle. I noticed you two dancing with your stuffed animals and laughing together yesterday. You love to make each other laugh. You also want to keep up with the "older" kids and are already a pro at riding the scooter (left footed of course). You like to play outside and collect treasures in your coat pocket. You still don't like coloring, but on your birthday I saw you enjoy it for the first time when we handed you a baby penguin to color.
You have always brought people so much joy. You say the most hilarious things all the time. Confident statements that are both ridiculous and adorable. You make everybody laugh. You love to give and receive kisses. Recently we were talking a little about heaven, and you said "Mom, I really want to be with Jesus." I pray that you will be someday. That little seed of desire in you would grow and became a mighty force bent toward heaven. I pray that you would love Jesus and that He'd be your greatest joy. I know that He could shine through you in such an incredible way to the world around you. We love you, always and forever. I'm so thankful that you are my son.
