3's a charm

A child's birthday is a joyous event, sprinkled with a dash of bitter-sweetness. The one year birthday was tough for me because my baby was no longer a baby. The two year birthday was a little easier, filled with a feeling of "oh my gosh I hope I can handle the terrible two's." This year the three year birthday was the easiest yet. There is no doubt my baby is growing up but the hint of sadness I felt was overrun with Kaleb's deep involvement with party planning and excitement. Somehow the sadness just kept turning into smiles and feel good moments.

I enjoyed getting feedback this year about what kind of party he wanted, what presents he wanted, the decorations, help with filling the party favors, coloring his invitations.... His involvement was fun and it made his party personalized and special for Kaleb of course - and for me.

But anyone I talk to who has been there, done that, keeps reiterating "enjoy every moment because it goes so fast." I am not taking those words lightly because if everyone is saying it, it must certainly be true. So I did just that. I took it all in. I not only breathed in the aromas of strawberry football cake and cream cheese frosting, but I remembered to inhale the look on Kaleb's face while we stuffed bags full of tootsie rolls and bouncy balls, the excitement in his voice as he saw the decorations hanging up, the anxious way he walked as he waited for guests to arrive. And I remembered to exhale a breath of thankfulness to God for my special son. He has brought countless happy moments to my life in his short three years. My cup runneth over with blessings as a result of his arrival into my life.

Kaleb and cousin Luke in the sandbox
Opening the first present
Pizza party with cousins Hannah, Luke and Maddy
The Western Rifle
Guests: Christina and Liam, Sarah and Landri
Our happy family
All the kids are wrangled for a quick photo: front L to R: Jaxon, Landri, Liam, Hannah and Cohen, Back row L to R: Ian, Kaleb, Maddy and Luke
Papa Tom and Jaxon