Living the Good Life

We partied Saturday. We partied like it was our job and carried on well into the night. Nicholas was in his element, having all his friends around to play and celebrate his day with him. I think the whole party was a great success and I just want to say thank you to all of our wonderful family and friends who joined us for Nicholas' big night. It means the world to see your child swallowed up by so much love and affection.

A bicycle was our big present to him. He hasn't quite mastered pedaling so he's not super

excited about it yet. It won't be but a few short years until he realizes what a bike

truly represents in a kid's life - a tiny bit of freedom from a grown-up's world.

Yes, the party was such a great time and I don't think Nicholas will ever be bored again after getting so many awesome new toys. We spent Sunday cleaning everything up and trying to get in a little family time R&R. This entire weekend was such a time of happiness for my family and I know none of us will ever forget it. I really don't know how it's possible, but each year seems to be better than the last. My heart feels very full today and that is absolutely priceless.

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...