Happy Third Birthday, Brian!!

Last night was a loooooooonnnnngggggg night. Brian's first night in his "big (huge, actually) boy bed." I was up all night...there was tons of anxiety...and a very, very early morning wake up call. Brian? He slept all night! He fell asleep quickly...and slept in until 8:15 this morning. It was ME who was up all night! I slept with the video monitor in my hand - staring at the screen like it was a blockbuster movie. I was watching for any movement...listening for any sound. And this morning I was up at the crack of dawn - half expecting him to be up, too. Half expecting to watch him on the monitor as he snuck out of bed and made his way to the door. Don't believe me? I have the bags under my eyes to prove it. I'm out of control.

This morning he woke up three years old - and sat up stretching and smiling like he'd been in a big boy bed his whole life. I love this little boy.

When he came down this morning, I think he was surprised to see that "Fishy" had, indeed, followed him home!! He was THRILLED. I showed him how to feed Fishy - who, ironically, eats THREE little pellets a day! Brian fed him all by himself!

Brian was very aware that it was his birthday. He was so adorable all day and everything made him happy. I have complete rose colored glasses when it comes to this child (and his big brother!). I'm sure I could be told that he was a colicky baby - but I wouldn't believe it. All I remember is the late night snuggles...the perfect breast feeder....the smily, happy infant....and the agreeable toddler. I remember his perfect fingers and his perfect toes...long and thin like a piano player. Even his nails were perfectly shaped. I noticed every single detail of Brian - down to the cute little birthmarks and freckles. Who would have ever thought that a 100% Irish woman with a Chinese husband would have one child with blue eyes...and one with FRECKLES!!!

Brian has been such a complete and total joy. He has surprised me with how much he knows - how much he just picks up - and how much he has taught his big brother. He already shows a kind of sensitivity that I am so proud of. Soon I will send him out of my car and into the hands of teachers. I know the fear and anxiety is only in me - he will do so well and will just thrive. It's so hard for me to let go. But seriously...can we talk about that cute face? Would YOU be able to let go???? *wink*

After lunch, Brian had a big, happy surprise. One of his favorite people in the world...his granny...came to wish him a happy birthday. And as if that wasn't enough - she came with his Aunt Bean AND his godmother, Aunt Meg! We all sang happy birthday and Brian did a great job blowing out his candle...

And then - big shock - he devoured his cake.

They all brought presents, too, which was so nice and unexpected. Aunt Meg gave him "Connect 4" which is a game that Brian loved "playing" at his Aunt Bean's house.

And Aunt Bean gave him the coolest iPad "pen" with two apps so he can "color" on his iPad! Not yet sure how it works...I'll report back. But it looks super-cool!

And Granny gave him a foam bat and balls! She has a set in her garage that Brian makes a bee-line for.

I am shocked that Brian didn't ask to go to bed with her present because he carried it around like this for the rest of the day!

He had such a great day.

This evening I met my Mom and my two sisters at a local restaurant. It is the restaurant that my Mom and Dad went on many occasions. It was the restaurant that they took me to celebrate becoming a flight attendant! And it was the restaurant where we hosted my Dad's funeral luncheon. My Mom wanted to have a nice dinner with her daughters. Before I left, Ed was nice to snap a couple pictures of me with the birthday boy before he went to bed.

Ed and the boys bonded while my Mom and her girls bonded. Tomorrow is our big family Christmas party. My Mom will be surrounded by her five children - and her nineteen grandchildren. And I'm sure Pop and Darcy will be there, too. It will be a tough day for all of us, I'm sure. I'll be back on Sunday.

I miss you, Dad!

The Night Before Three...

Tomorrow my baby boy turns three.

Gulp.

This morning we baked his cake.

This afternoon we got his birthday haircut.

And tonight, as promised, we picked out his big present. A fish! Something he has desired since seeing a fish at his Aunt Bean's house. Today he told me he wanted a "blue fish" (I speak "Brian" - but this was as clear as day). We met Ed after work at the pet store and Brian was over the moon looking at all the fish.

Check out his reaction when he got in front of all the fish...

Gavin was enthralled with the fish as well - and stuck his hand in the tank before we realized!!

Brian definitely was interested in Gavin's input when choosing a fish...

...and Daddy's, too.

We ended up choosing a blue fish - just as Brian asked for - and, thank God, one that is easy to care for. A male, blue Betta fish. And then Brian chose a decorative accent for the aquarium...a robot (robots are his current obsession). Somehow I doubt that robot will make it into the water. Why? Well, he is currently sleeping with it. Which leads me to part TWO of "The Night Before Three!"

Brian went to sleep in his BIG BOY BED! He will wake up three in style. Check out my "pre-sleep, pre-three, don your night-vision glasses now" interview with him:

He stacked up all his "guys"...his new "Angry Bird" plush toy that Daddy was suckered into after our pet store excursion (and the green pig, too!)...

...and his new, beloved robot that he's nicely holding up for the viewing audience.

He kissed Daddy goodnight...

...and then his Mommy - in an effort to prove that yes, she does exist, took their picture herself.

Am I the only Mommy that has to take her own photos in order to prove she is present? I'm always BEHIND the camera!!!!

Brian was THRILLED to sleep in his new bed, as you can see!

No fear. No anxiety. He was sound asleep within 15 minutes or less (which is typical). I really doubt that he will try to get out of his bed during the night or if he wakes up before I come in at 8am...but I will let you know in tomorrow's journal entry!

I really felt that three was the right age. Other's may differ...but this felt right to me. I didn't want to rush anything. We'll see how it goes!

Tomorrow, he will wake up three. And a new chapter begins...