Our little boy is 3!

It doesnt seem all that long ago that we were sitting in the hospital with a newborn baby boy. We were a little panicked when he came out a nice purple shade, but soon learned that it was just bruising. If you think he looked bad, think how I felt! I had to push him down to the birth canal, which he was obviously afraid of and could never descend on his own. He just wanted to hang out up in the higher life where it was more roomy. Can you blame him? So not only did he have to come out, he had to come down as well. With a few hard pushes he was forced down and out, like being shot out of a cannon. It was so fast (for him anyway), that it left his face bruised from all the pressure. It only took a few days to clear up, and convince Ryan that he wasnt born of another race...it was in fact, his child.
It seemed like a miracle that a boy was actually permitted to come to our family, and we were all so happy to have him, and a little nervous. How can changing a boys diaper really be that much different from a girls? Oh...it was! Not only did I have a little obstacle in the way to clean around, under and in between (too much information, I know), but he also had great aim! Diaper changing was taken to a whole new level with a little boy. It became a war waged between baby and diaper changer. Who dares take on the baby boy!? The first time he beat me, was in the hospital. As soon as I took off the diaper he took his aim and hit a bulls eye. Up his nose, all over his body...all over my body, and all the blankets. Seriously, how can a little guy like that make such a big mess!? Its like he was equipped with his very own super soaker! I swear that was the first time he smiled...if not outwardly, than clearly inside. I didnt know where to start clean-up efforts first. From that point on, I knew. This was not going to be the normal diaper changing baby like I was used to. It was a must to keep guard the entire changing process, and quickly make the exchange from soiled diaper to clean one before he seized the opportunity to soak again.
As he grew, he continued to be full of surprises. He has always been active and curious, and good for a laugh. We have enjoyed the new perspective he brings to our family and the funny things he says every day. He's such a fun little boy...when he's staying out of trouble! He is a good sport when playing with his sisters, and will do anything to join in the fun, from playing the dad, the baby, the pet dog, and yes...even the princess. But my favorite thing about him is that hes such a cuddler, and a total mommy's boy. He loves to just come and sit on my lap, listen to a story and cuddle up next to me when he sleeps. Not lovin that he wants to do it in my bed every morning, but love that he wants to.
So now he's 3, and growing up so fast. No more diapers for him, hes learned the art of going on the potty. He's learned that hes not a girl, or a princess. He's learned what he likes to wear, eat and watch on tv. Its like he's become his own little person all of a sudden...as opposed to one that his sisters have influenced him to be. So what did he want for his birthday? A train cake of course. What else is there? Train toys, train track's made from movie cases, blocks, crackers... pretty much anything you can put in a straight line, gets made into a train. His train cake is all he talked about for a month. And know what else...it had to be red. What did he do when he saw me putting blue frosting on the train...drop down to the floor, and with his best whining voice cry "no mommy I wanted a red train!" He is turning 3 after all. But dont worry, the main parts of it were red, or what I attempted to turn red with food coloring. I think it looked more pink, but thankfully it was close enough. If any of you know how to make frosting completely red...pass it along.
I think he was pretty pleased with the finished train, complete with a circus, wood and coal car, not to mention the engine and caboose. Too bad after hours of work it just got cut into little pieces and demolished. -sigh- But its all about the children, all that matters is their happiness...right? So on with the birthday details...we decided to let Zack have his best friend come over to join us. He was so excited to show him the train, after which we immediately ate it. Following the cake came present time. He was of course the most excited to receive another train for for his Geo Tracks town...Old Rust, or as he affectionately calls it "Ol Radust". But his reaction to all the presents was perfect. After the present unveiling was over, I attempted to add the new train toys and tracks into his old set, which turned out much more complex than I had expected. Are kids toys really supposed to be that complicated!? After much frustration, I left the train set assembly to Ryan who fixed it good enough to let the kids play with it for the time being. Later on, after the kids left it alone for a minute, I finally got it assembled to include more pieces. That was the first thing he went to this morning...after coming down to cuddle with me for a minute of course. (:

Happy Birthday to our special little guy!