Abe's 3.

 Abraham Craig Marshall.

Turned 3.

Imagining life without Abe is like imagining a Jedi without his/her lightsaber or Spidey without his sense. He is part of me. I want to highlight a few things that have impressed me with Abraham lately, as part of this birthday tribute.

Spiritual Sensitivity. Abe's sensitivity keeps me in check. Rather than telling him what's right and wrong, something I once thought fell into the natural duties of parenting, he teaches me right and wrong. If the music is too crazy at Five Guys, we leave. If something dark or scary is in a book or movie, we skip it. And on the other hand, if something naturally attracts light, Abe embraces it. Abe loves positive, uplifting, virtuous books, movies, theater, and activities. It is clear that he has come from a divine place, and my goal is to preserve that sensitivity throughout his childhood. Not by sheltering him from opposition or the world, but by supporting him as he continues to choose truth over error and that which edifies over that which destroys.

Love. Abe loves. He loves his family a lot. He loves his Mommy-o and Daddy-o and expresses that freely and frequently, without prompting. He takes care of his brother and shows his love for him by sharing, trying to calm him down when he cries, laughing in the back of the car with him, and generally looking out for him. Yesterday, as I was with the boys while Ariel was at a girls' night out, Ben was fairly inconsolable. That is, until I put him up into Abe's bed. Then all I heard were two identical giggles. Abe loves Ben and Ben loves Abe. Another pattern we'll seek to continue throughout both of their lives.

Intellect. He picks up on things quick. Today as we were singing the "I Lived in Heaven" primary song, Abe said, "When I lived in heaven, did I help create the world?" What a question! He's not just in tune to spiritual truth, though. Due at least in part to his daily school time, he knows the alphabet and can write it, has memorized countless songs and nursery rhymes, knows the days of the week, and has the vocabulary of a 28 year-old (uses the words "wonderful," "remarkable," and "fascinating" freely). His mind is all of those adjectives, and I stand in awe as I watch it develop each day. I probably should add that for the life of him he can't count to 20, or write to 20. I know that Mr. Lyons or Mr. Flaherty wouldn't be surprised to hear such news.

Fun. But don't think that Abe stops at sensitivity, love, and intellect. The kid is a blast! He is filled with wit and humor and loves to laugh. His hilarious sense was in high gear this evening at dinner. Ariel asked Abe if he wanted an "olive" and he said, "Yep. Olive it!" with a laugh. I'd have way more friends at work if I could pull one-liners like that out of my hat. For more where that came from check out the updated "Out of the Mouth of Abe" sidebar on the . . . side . . . bar. And/or check out the video interview at the bottom of this post.

For Abe's birthday I took the day off and of all of his choices (zoo, swimming, hike, museum, etc.) he chose a hike. So after our birthday cereal, birthday Mickey cartoon and morning books, we took off to Greenbelt Park for a hike. Abe is really in his element in nature. Just like his mom. We had a party later that evening with Uncle Neilamus' and Aunt K's family. Abe needed a little time alone when he saw so many people march in, but came out by the end and accepted a happy birthday song. He got plenty of presents from friends and family and clearly felt very loved.

 

 

Watching Abe movies of course (Abediana Marsh-which starred each of them!)

This last week we threw Abe a friends birthday party at the train park. He invited his best friend, Calder, Calder's Mom Camilla, and his two Nursery leaders (well, one is now a former Nursery leader) Bryant and Mary Angelos. We had a great time on the train, the merry-go-round, the playground, opening presents, and having cake. Another good time had.

 

 

We love you, Abraham! Keep on, dear friend.