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!!!