3.

Our sweet boy is officially 3 years old today.  I took the day off from work and we played and enjoyed every single second of his birthday together.  I guess he decided that since it was his day, he could sleep in if he wanted to.  I finally reached my breaking point at 8:30 and had to run in his room to wake him up and start the celebration.  He sluggishly opened his eyes and gave me a sweet, sleepy smile.  As soon as he heard me say happy birthday, he excitedly began demanding to know where his birthday was and that he wanted to have it right now.  I guess he doesn't quite understand that birthdays aren't something we actually see and touch.  But, I'm sure he was really wanting to know where his presents were!  We started off the morning with a plate of birthday pancakes, complete with 3 little candles on top.  In fact, every meal we've eaten today was coupled with the request for candles on top.  I figured that's one of the many birthday highlights, so I happily obliged.  After running some errands and cleaning in the morning to get ready for tomorrow's festivities, we took a break in the backyard for a corn dog picnic and some swim time.  I think it's about time for a pool upgrade as this one is really starting to look pretty tiny.  A big boy needs a big pool, right? 

As usual, I can't end a Nicholas birthday without writing down some of my motherly sentiments.  I just want him to be able to read these blogs someday and truly understand the enormity of my love for him and what this day means to his mama.  I'm so thankful for where we've been and the things we've done over the last 3 years and I'm even more excited about where we're going.  Nicholas has given me so much joy that it's hard to put it down in words.  I can say that there's not a day that passes without me thinking of how lucky I am to have this boy with me forever.  Not only do I spend his birthday celebrating the wonderful boy that he is, but  I spend much of the time thinking back to the day he came into my life.  The best day of my life.  I pray I never become desensitized to the memories of this day  because I never want it to become just another birthday.  It's anything but that.  Happy birthday, Nicholas!  Your Daddy and I love you so much!

Going to bed last night as a 2 year old boy for the very last time...

 And the morning arrives!

I call this one the 14:14 shot.  I took this today at exactly

2:14pm which was the time he was born 3 years ago. What a difference!

And Papa brought over his first present this afternoon.  A framed picture for

his bedroom of the very helicopter he flies.  He loved it! 

And as we close this birthday out, let's see it one more time...