It is hard to believe my baby boy's 3rd birthday has come and gone! Fall has been as busy as our summer was, if not more so ... and I am way behind on blogs!
Lincoln turned 3 on October 5th! Yes, I am very aware that today is the 17th -- but I wanted to take a moment and say how much I cherish him! There are days where time stands still and I wish for less tantrums or stubbornness, but then I remember how fast the time is really going and I want it to stand still so I can enjoy every detail and moment with my son. I miss the hours he would sleep on me and his first giggles, but even the frustrating moments of having a toddler do not compare to the amazing joy he brings us. Lincoln is so full of life, love and everything that defines a crazy boy! His energy is exhausting but he is so much fun!
While age is just a number, 3 is starting out very well for my big boy. Lots of potty training success with super hero underwear, preschool success, learning to share better with friends, staying in his big boy bed at night ~ among other things. Sure some kids figure that out younger, while others take longer than 3, but the joys of being a mom is you can relate to what I am saying! Either you are in the process of trying these things, or you have had success! Hopefully you have learned along the way as I have, that children cannot be compared to other children, they all learn at a pace that suits them and only them. I am a proud mama of my 3 year old and while I never imagined his journey being as tough as it has been, he wakes up every day with a vengeance and an energy that is unmatchable. His determination will take him far in life and I am excited to stand beside him and tell him he can do anything he sets his mind too.
His 3rd birthday party was a perfect disaster. To some the term disaster sounds negative but I love it -- because my world is a beautiful disaster called life. Real and open, full of love and friendship and raw emotion! We had a house full of 20 people who all love my son and he ran from room to room, in and out the back door as his dad bbq'd, played with his best friend ripping open presents, hitting a big spider man balloon full of giggles like it was the funniest thing in the world, and ate homemade blue cake -- his request that a dear friend made him because she loves him that much when mommy was ready to go store bought! I love standing back in these moments and seeing my house full of so much love. There were people who couldn't make it, family far away, but one thing I was telling my own mom recently is how blessed my son is to be surrounded by so many individuals who truly love him. Huge shout out to all involved in his life -- because they do far more than just celebrate birthdays.
His actual birthday fell on a weekday, and I had the pleasure of an old high school friend being in town with her two boys. We took the kids to the zoo and had a blast, among just hanging out and enjoying a local splash pad. Then my son was lucky enough to say goodbye to one set of visitors and receive his "Ma" (my mom aka grandma) with open arms where he again was celebrated and loved with lots of park dates, playing super heroes and teaching "Ma" where the local ice cream shop was.
To say I am blessed doesn't even describe how my heart feels. Being a mom is the greatest gift. It is work, a full time job, exhausting, frustrating, and down right tests my patience multiple times a day, but isn't it still amazing?!? One little smile, kiss, please mommy, adorable hug and my heart melts. Every failure I never knew I was is displayed because I am a mom, yet every moment of success makes me feel like I am superwoman!
So happy birthday my sweet, crazy Lincoln! May 3 be even better than 2 was!