WB Turned 3!

Where has the year gone? I can actually remember sitting down at the computer to write a blog post about Weston turning two. It really is bittersweet watching my kids grow up so fast. I have lovely women come up to me in the store and admire my children, and they always tell me that their kids are all grown up, but it seems like just yesterday they were pushing them around in the shopping cart and changing their diapers. I know that will be me some day, and I really do try to live in the moment, to take time to enjoy my kids just as they are today and not worry about laundry or cleaning or scheduling or cooking. I hope they eventually recognize the effort, even if it was only marginally successful.

The past year has been a big one for Weston. He had his first trip to the ER (stitches in his forehead), his first trip out of the country (Mexico), moved from Seattle to Phoenix, made it through potty training, and started school. Weston is in the Mini 3's class two days a week at La Casa De Christo Preschool. This class is for kids who turn three between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31, which is great because they are all so close in age and are at very similar stages developmentally. Weston LOVES school, and adores his teachers, Mrs. Harvey and Mrs. Bauer. They do a lot of art work, and he is so proud to see his projects displayed next to Layla's. He does wish he could go every day like his big sister, but I don't think I'm ready for that.

First day of school

We threw Weston a super hero birthday party at an awesome railroad train park near our house. We had a huge Spiderman bounce house, a Spiderman cake, and plenty of super hero decorations. The kids bounced, rode the train and the carousel, ate snacks and pizza and cake, and ran around outside. When we had packed everything in the car and were leaving Weston said, "Mom, that was the best birthday party EVER!"

Weston is 3!

Playing in the Spiderman bounce house

Smiling with his cake

My big boy

Weston continues to be the sweetest boy I can imagine. He is so genuinely kindhearted that I think I give in to him more than I should. He remains my cuddliest child, by far, and I love that he still lets me hold him close on the couch and tickle his back. He is getting much better about helping clean up when asked and enjoys having some big boy responsibilities. Last week he told me he got his first whiskers because he was getting so grown up.

He is all boy, listens about as well as a potato, and throws everything. He is constantly getting in trouble for throwing toys down our banister, down the stairs, at his sisters, in the garbage, in the sink or in the pool. Recently he has taken to saying, "No, I will not do that," when I ask him to do something. Our saving grace is that he is totally in to super heroes, so it seems to work to tell him that Batman would never take toys away from his sister or that Captain America always flushes the toilet.

He has always been hilarious, and that doesn't seem to be changing. His laugh is so intoxicating that it is almost impossible to punish him when he thinks what he's doing is funny. If he starts giggling at the table, it is only moments before the whole family is laughing right along with him. His favorite stand-up routine lately is to insert the words "poopy" or "butt" into the middle of a song or sentence. The joke is never very funny, but as soon as he starts cracking up we're all doubled over. While it is passable for a three year old, I do hope his wit matures at some point.

His favorite foods are turkey, cheese, fruit, smoothies, spaghetti and meatballs and Cheetos. He refuses to eat cold cereal because he can't seem to do it without milk dripping all over, so he frequently makes odd requests for breakfast, like pistachios, fruit roll ups, peanut butter sandwiches and burritos.

Weston is almost always in a good mood, and I am a happier mother because of him. For all of his toddler goofiness, he has a mature tenderness about him and can sense when someone needs a smile, hug, or a laugh. He makes every day on this earth brighter, and it is truly an honor to have him call me mom.