thankful.

I love that I get these little notes left for me when I go to work.

And a stick of gum.

It's maybe my most favorite thing...

in my entire life.

Hadley Jane, I am so very thankful for you.

Translated:

Mom

I hope you have a good time at the hospital mom.

xoxo

Hadley

PS don't forget to do your homework.

potty trained.

Nope.

But maybe it's because I still think he is so cute in a diaper.

Diapers come in adult sizes.

He will be just fine.

cowabunga dudes.

This kid is all about Ninja Turtles all the time.

He is never without a sword, nunchucks, or anything else that he can turn into a weapon.

We are always talking about Mikey, and Don, and Raph, and Leo.

And we are always 'fighting'.

The kid is obsessed.

So this party was a no brainer.

And the easiest one to date.

We had it on a Friday night (loved this).

We had pizza, salad, cupcakes, presents, and a pinata.

And that was that.

Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy.

Chaos at its finest.

And one big fat mess.

the morning of.

We celebrated your birthday right when you woke up.

Daddy took the day off of work, and sis didn't go to school (she was sick).

We just stayed home and played with all of your new toys.

You were in heaven.

And all morning you kept saying "This is a great day.  A really great day.  A really, really, really great day guys!  Do I get to keep all of these presents?  Are these mine?  Are these mine forever and ever?  Are these mine and not sissy's?  Sissy is not going to touch my toys.  Is she?  Will you ask her?"

You just wanted to make sure that this truly was the best day of your life.

A little reprieve before the big show.

he's three.

I cannot believe you're three.

I know.  I know.  I know.  

Cliche.  Cliche. Cliche.

But I really can't believe it.

I feel like it was just yesterday that I was in the hospital, scared to death, about to have my guts cut open, and then, before I knew it, your dad, whispered into my ear 'Oh my god Meg, it's a boy', and right that very moment all was right with the world.

And I still feel that same way about you.

I never knew I could love a little dude so much.  I never knew someone could drive me so crazy.  I never knew someone could have SO much energy.  I never knew there would be someone that would be my most favorite person to ever tell me that they love me.  I never knew someone could be so obsessed with cars, trucks, diggers, and mufflers.  I never knew someones little arms around my neck would feel so wonderful.  I never knew I would love it so much when someone would call 'yesterday', 'last day', or when they would call an 'escaltor', an 'elegator', or when they answer every question with a complete sentence ("Carsie, did you like your dinner?"  Your reply, "Yes, I did.  I did like my dinner Mama.  I did like it very much.  Yes Sir."  I never knew a kid could talk SO much, it's like you try to get in as many words in a day as humanly possible (only to be rivaled by your sister...my ears literally ache by the end of the day).  I never knew someone who could just play and play and play all day long.  I never knew someone who loved super heroes, and ninja turtles, and Star Wars so much (I seriously don't even know how you know what these things are).  I never knew someone could look so cute in a little pair of Converse.  I never knew someone could light up an entire room just by walking in it.  I never knew someone could be so mesmerized by TV.  I never knew someone could get so excited over the littlest things.  I never knew someone could drive me so absolutely insane and frustrate me to no end.  I never knew I could be so completely forgiving 5 minutes later.  I never knew someone could be so stubborn (except maybe your father).  I never knew someone could be so absolutely darling (except maybe your father).  I never knew I would have a kid where bedtime would be such a fight (for the record, right now, you have a lock on your door and no overhead light).  I never, ever, ever knew I would cut out someones naps in an attempt to make bedtime easier (desperate times call for desperate measures).  I never knew someone who could kick, and hit, and punch so much.  I never knew someone who refused time outs, who has the best pout, and the meanest 'mean' face.  I never knew someone who I can tickle out of any bad mood.  I never knew someone could be so polite.  I never knew someone who couldn't leave home without at least three matchbox cars in each hand.  I never knew a little boy saying "Of course!" to everything would be my most favorite thing in the world.  I never knew someone could actually lose their mind if they didn't get the blue sippy cup.  I never knew someone who could snuggle so well.  I never knew someone who could throw up so easily.  I never knew someone with more amazing little lips.  I never knew someone with such a little personality.  I never knew there would be someone I could love as much as your sister.  But then again...I never knew you.  And the minute I met you, I never wanted to know what it would be like without you again.

I knew that much.

Happy 3rd Birthyday pal!!!

xoxo

Your, desperately trying to keep you little forever, Mama