So, over the terrifically busy (and tiring) weekend, I managed to co-host a successful jewelry party, make Valentine snacks for a brunch, drink too much wine, and watch in delight as my little girl rolled from her back to her belly. She is so pleased! I am simultaneously thrilled and sad that she is already reaching (I accidentally typed reading first - wouldn't that be something!?) these milestones. This little gal is moving right along. I believe her bottom middle teeth are ready to burst through. She is close to gnawing her little fist off. Time is flying for my little gal who is growing like a weed and blowing raspberries nonstop. She is so darling!

I pre-enrolled Jack in preschool today. I think I'm fine, but now I'm realizing that the tears are slightly welling up thinking of it. Preschool? Really? I really believe he needs a challenge - the boy is so smart. He's ready for anything. I hope some innocent girl doesn't get the wrath of his fist like B at the sitter's did last week. Poor gal - took it like a champ. Two bites, a punch to the gut, and he managed to knock her off of a toy chair. I think he's just a boy and this is how they function because their little minds don't know what else to do. I'm sure Charlotte will treat us to her girly dramatic meltdowns when the time comes - the kiddos just handle frustration differently.But anywho, it is totally unacceptable and we are definitely working on it. I hold my breath on the walk up to the sitter's door - waiting to hear the latest. He really is a love bug, honestly. Last week at gymnastics he was convinced a darling redhead was a baby and insisted he needed to hold her. He smothered her with hugs, baby talk, and repeatedly tried to hold her hand. "But I wanted to hold that baby," he kept saying. She (and her father) were good sports about it. I'm a little nervous for tomorrow. I have to say, that's what impresses me most about Jack right now. He loves babies. Baby babies, baby animals...he saw a baby Panda on TV last night and that was it. "I want that baby Panda, mama, I want it." The baby kittens in his new (old) favorite movie The Aristocats..."That baby kitty, mama, I love it." I want to buy him 14 baby kittens and watch him bask in their tiny cuteness.

I told hubby the other day that I wouldn't mind a third little G running around. I got the old eyebrow raise and was assured that we aren't ready to run a zone defense and we need to stick to man to man. I think maybe I might be high on spit-up fumes or just the fact that I adore my little peanuts more than I can say. I know I say it a lot, but they are the most precious gifts I could ever have. My dreamy little babies who light up my world...they make me laugh, cry, love, and live.

Happy Third, My Little Bear!

Happy third birthday, my little babe! Thursday, February 8, at 1:03 in the afternoon, you came into this world...a lunchtime baby they called you. I labored for 29 1/2 hours - you were determined to stay in my belly forever - and after 45 minutes of pushing, there you were! Perfect! So much brown, crazy hair...foreshadowing to your personality, I suppose. Your fingers and toes were so tiny - just seven pounds of you laying in my arms (at least 5.5 was your bucket head!), gazing at me as if to say, "I know you."

How in the world have three years gone by so quickly? I swear it was only yesterday when you were somersaulting around inside my belly and today you are running around doing it in gymnastics class. You are my bouncy, crazy, silly, funny, wild, tender-hearted little man...ornery like a little boy should be, sometimes naughty like you shouldn't be, and at the same time, such a lovable little fellow.

You entered the world pretty quietly and contently, but it didn't last long. You were easy and happy and as soon as you found your voice you were hollering and laughing to anyone who would listen. You came with me everywhere. You skipped over crawling and went straight to running. You occasionally shared a water dish with the dogs. Walking at nine months...talking a short time later. You'd say "woof woof!" constantly. I can't remember when I haven't been able to have a conversation with you. I discovered so much about myself from having you...a capability to love a person more than I could have imagined. You captured my heart with your puppy dog eyes and easy laugh. You did everything so quickly and wanted to grow up so fast! I went sleepless for nearly a year because you woke up a zillion times a night. To eat, chat, poop, whatever...I didn't even mind because it meant a few more precious minutes with you. The first day I dropped you off at the sitter, I cried all day. I no longer cry but it hasn't gotten any easier. Ok, I'll be honest, sometimes I do still cry.

You are growing so fast...you question everything in the world. What does this animal eat? I saw the firetrucks, who is hurt? What's this? Where's that? Endless questions for your curious little mind. You are such a boy's boy...loving the outdoors, football, and hunting (gasp!) because your daddy does. You love animals immensely. You are convinced that only certain colors, driving, and football are for boys. You can't wait to ride your Lightning McQueen bike when the weather gets warmer and you are counting the days until you can be Daddy's bat boy this summer. You are too smart for your own good - and you know it. You are witty and silly and the perfect three-year old package.

I am so proud of how much you love your baby sister...I love to watch you with her. My heart melts when you touch her face and baby talk with her. I adore that you hold her and just want to watch her at times...you truly are a wonderful big brother. You are turning into such a little man...it breaks my heart that you are no longer a baby, even though you will always be mine. I love you, my little bear...happy birthday!