he is 'free'

If you asked my son, Caden, how old he was yesterday he would have said 2. Today if you asked him he would say 'free' or three to the rest of us. He says it with such excitement and vigor. I can't imagine how exciting life is as a 3 year old, the littlest things can make (or break) his day.

He is officially 3!!!

I don't know if it was his birthday or just coincidence but Caden had one of the best days he has had in a long time. He was happy, fun to be around, curious, and playful. He cried once...but it was his party after all....because the pizza he made wasn't done cooking yet. When it was time for bed, he wanted to talk....about his day, about his birthday, about everything. I love these moments when I can feel his thirst for knowledge or understanding about the large world  we live in. It is really hard to shhh, him and tell him it is time for bed. So, since it is his birthday, I gave in and we chatted. It is nice to chat with a 3 year old.

He is such a great kid. He still loves music and is especially drawn to David's drum set. I guess that probably isn't too surprising...what boy wouldn't have fun beating on a drum.  He is silly is such a sweet and innocent way. He doesn't yet know that making jokes about poop and farts is funny and isn't trying to gross people out.  He wants to be helpful and is learning to be patient with his little brother. Just this morning I watched as Caden let Coleman into his room and shut the door. I stood in the hall way and listened to them play together. Caden was trying to show him how to do something.  (believe me, it isn't always this sweet) I can already tell that even though Coleman annoys Caden time to time, Caden is going to be a great big brother.

In his short 3 years in our lives he has grown up so much. We forget he is just turning 3 today.  He seems older than that and we are constantly needing to remind ourselves to put realistic expectations on him.  His teacher told us he has hit an independent streak at school. He wants to do everything himself, and they let him try until he asks for help. Thank god for that, I want him to have opportunities to try and be successful and at time to be unsuccessful and learn to ask for help.

for fun, here are a few photos over the last 3 years of this smart and sweet boy.

 

 

 

Happy Birthday to my sweet boy, you will be my baby forever!!!

Another milestone accomplished

So the much awaited time has finally come. Coleman is a walker...sort of. It is wobbly and only lasts a few steps before he falls or gives up for the easier route of crawling BUT he is trying repeatedly on his own.  I find him cruising down the hall way using the wall for support or anything that will be pushed along with him.  He as been seen taking up to 7 steps but most often it is 2 or 3.  I actually started writing this post a week ago, but wanted to capture the elusive walker on camera....didn't work so here is the best shot I got.

this is the "I'm going to walk" stance

Some parent dread this development. I hear things like, "just wait, you'll wish they hadn't started." or "He is going to get into everything."   Which the later doesn't even make sense...going from being on all fours to two doesn't really seem to effect his ability to get into stuff....he is already into everything.  By the way, he is also trying to climb everything too.

I see it as partial freedom. A child that can walk along with me, knees that aren't scraped by the rough concrete or wood chips. And possibly..I repeat, possibly less non food items entering his mouth.  I know he is still going to put things in his mouth but when you are crawling around on your hands and knees you are bound to find every last piece of dirt or sand or whatever to put into your mouth. But while standing you would think you would be less distracted by the things on the ground.  Another plus...he will wear himself out easier!

here is the preview of what he will look like in college...no clothes and bottoms up for a good drink.

Yes, it makes me a little sad that he is growing up so fast but I really enjoy the toddler stage. They are becoming little people with huge personalities and their own set of likes and dislikes.