a day in our life...: Where has the time gone?

It seems like only yesterday we welcomed our sweet, handsome little boy into this world. It doesn't seem that long ago that he was exploring his world from wherever we plopped him (the rug, the bouncy seat, the swing...)--so anxious to keep up with his big sister and figure out everything around him.

aah! our sweet little guy!

How is it possible that this same blue eyed boy is now almost three years old? THREE. It just sounds so grown up and big and independent. Having an "almost" three year old brings a lot of changes in to a household...here are just a few examples:

he seems to be developing more and more of an opinion about everything (what shirt he wears, what show he watches, what he eats for snack or lunch...)
no longer does he wear diapers...which makes everything he wears make him look even more like a big boy
we said "goodbye" to the pacifier and to be 100% honest...it is bittersweet that it was such an easy transition (luckily he will forever have his buddy "Dog" to keep him company at sleep-time...and to keep him little...)
he'll be attending preschool. PRESCHOOL. This will happen in just a few short months.
he can verbalize when he is mad at you and tell you exactly WHY he is mad at you (This statement comes complete with crossed arms, pouting lips, and upturned nose.)
jokes and ornery smiles and silly faces are intentional now...he loves to make us laugh!
phrases like "oh my gosh!", "I'm busy..." and "come on Moooommmm..." are an everyday occurrence that I only once imagined I would hear come out of his mouth
he reads by himself, makes up words to cards, plays trains and trucks whenever he can
he is soon to be a big brother and he will be awesome at it.

Along with all of these new changes, there are still things that he does that reassure this momma that he is still our little boy. He loves to snuggle and give hugs and kisses. He still calls for us when he needs something and he likes to hold our hand, rub our arm, or give us a little love pat. I am trying to soak all of these little moments up!

Yesterday we celebrated this sweet, almost 3 year old of ours. It was such a happy day, as we all packed in to our house to celebrate his special day a few weeks early (just in case Little Sis or Little Bro decides to make an early appearance). Here are a few pictures from his day!