Jack a doo turns three...

My sweet little baby is turning into a big boy.  Yesterday was his third birthday!  I like to reminisce about the details of my children's birth stories and remember the small things from their true birthdays.  My husband gives me a hard time, but it is an honest inherited trait from my mother.  I can't help but talk about their birth.  I hope that the little details don't get lost over time, and they have a clear picture of the day we welcomed them into the world!  Jack looked like a pug puppy with lots of rolls and big fat cheeks.  He was 9 lb 15 oz at birth and has only gone up from there!

My Jack is a wonderful little boy with a great sense of humor.  We are in the midst of potty training and preparing for preschool.  He is loving dinosaurs, cars and all things sports.  At this young age he can hit a tossed ball over the fence with quite good technique and hit the basket with remarkable consistency.  And lets not talk about the size of the boy...we are already counting the scholarship offers.
He is getting into the fighting and wrestling which I am not excited about.  It is all fun and games until someone gets hit in the face or tossed into the corner of the entertainment center.  Jack is a really physical boy and feels the need for speed.  He will state, "I need to run" and proceed to run laps around the house until I stop him.  He revs up and takes off as fast as those stocky little legs will take him.  He has his "running shoes" that help him go fast.  And that little tongue is wagging whether he is concentrating or on the go.  I am terrified that he is going to bite it off, but he seems to have the situation under control.

 Jack seems to be excited about competition, much more specifically beating his sister.  She is as motivated by her competitive spirit as well, so it makes for some pretty dramatic interactions.  As long as they both think that they win, there is peace.  Not sure how much longer I am going to be able to keep up that charade.  Luckily they are pretty even in the winning tally, so it will be good for them both to experience the sting of defeat.  I just want to avoid the emotional devastation that follows.
He has a mischievous side and has carved out a few really good hiding spots.  Most of the time I hear him over the monitor, but cannot find where he has folded that little boy body into.  He likes to squeeze behind chairs and tables and duck down where he can't be seen.  He has played half of his nap time away quietly behind a chair before I spotted him. 

 Jack is a momma's boy in every sense of the word.  He thinks that I hung the moon, and I am not going to be the one to tell him otherwise.  He comes to my side of the bed first and looks for good long snuggles first thing in the morning.  He runs to me with arms wide when I haven't seen him in a while.  He gives kisses and hugs to me freely and those chubby little arms feel so good squeezing around my neck.  He looks to me for comfort and even now often wants to be held.  I know that I have spoiled him with affection however I know that when boys grow up they do not want to be cuddled by their mothers.  I am taking every opportunity to kiss those sweet cheeks while I can! 

Jack's third year is going to be a big one with lots of adjustments and exciting events.  He is going to become a big brother!  He is getting his very own backpack and lunchbox to cart off to preschool.  He is going to become even more of an independent thinker and more self sufficient. He is starting to share the thoughts behind those sparkly brown eyes with humor and excitement as he is transitioning from a toddler to a child.  I am excited and a little sad to watch these changes in him take place.  I am so in love with my little boy and I am so thankful that God packaged him in such a dynamic and loving little spirit.  Happy Birthday Jack a doo!  We love you!