Ethan turns 3

Wow. It seems like yesterday that he was keeping me up all night, starting daycare, learning how to navigate stairs and requesting big boy underwear. Now, he calls himself "Mr. Independent" and wants his "allergy" (translation: privacy) when visiting the restroom. He dresses himself (although I pick the clothes to avoid any issues with harassment at school since he would only wear his favorite jammies day after day), demands a hat, certain shoes, and his belt and sunglasses....depending on if his pants have belt loops, of course.

For his birthday, Ethan asked for a party hat, cake and a birthday card. I was happy to oblige but we did also add an old fashioned sit and spin which he helped Dad to assemble and some Thomas trains for his collection.

Here are some pics of his party hat:






Helping Dad:



Jason's kickin party outfit from Aunt Susan:


His birthday seemed to last for days (reminded me a bit of mine actually). Thursday night we had Mr. Peter and Susan, Grandmother and Granddaddy Ed for dinner. We were so excited to see them since they came from so far for E's day! Andy was here putting new shoes on the horses and he even let Ethan nail on one of Easy's shoes. E was thrilled.

Friday the kids did dinner at Aunt Susan's while Mommy and Daddy went out to Angus Barn for a private dinner and wine tour (can't even possibly do this one justice with words). Earlier in the day Friday we had a Thomas the Train party at daycare with his new friends. This was followed by a few hour tour of IBM with Mommy while Daddy finished up his work. Jeff and I had made up great favor boxes shaped like a caboose and had some matching plates and napkins. Our party invitations matched as well for our official family and friend party on Saturday. I bribed Jeff to help promising him time on the Wii that he got for father's day.

Saturday brought everyone together with all 3 sets of grandparents, Aunt Susan, Unclue Mikey and Marie and Teo. We also had some great friends come and we had a super time! We ordered a really special Lightning McQueen cake which he picked out himself. For dinner we had a simple but nice catered Italian dinner (from Daniel's) and some special items from Mom as well that included her famous eggplant parmesan and meatballs. Ethan even got to beat Paw Paw at Wii bowling. He can't get the hang of golf since he just muscles it everywhere. No concept of "putt", "easy" or "lightly".

Sunday we played with Maw Maw and Paw Paw and then did a family movie night in the "Jeff Theater" and watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (compliments of Aunt Jean). Monday we went to Pullen Park with Shannon and her kids, Clare and Nicholas. Ethan got to spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa's house and drive his new pick up truck.

Through all this I made 28 notes about the "all about me" mentality and had a few frustrating moments as we got out of our routine. And to think, he is stuck with me all week since daycare is closed.