Saturday, May 31, 2014

Elijah is THREE!!!!!

Roarrrrr! Shut the door, Elijah is THREE!!!! I can hardly believe how this past year has just flown past! Elijah has grown by leaps and bounds in the past year and he's really turning into such a nice young man. Boy does that comment make me feel old, but I feel so much pride seeing him practice manners, show others kindness and go through life with his happy heart. Elijah has brought so much joy to our lives, giving our hearts a happiness only children can bring. We thank God to have him in our lives and wish him years of joy, love and ROARING to come.

Today was just our own little personal birthday as Matt had to fly to Utah for a fundraiser to support his friend, Ben Harrow, in the Steel Warrior foundation. We certainly made the most of the day, despite the intermittent rain, by going to the park nice and early, before the rain hit us. Elijah had so much fun going up the ladder and down the slides, swinging and  (drum roll please) using the potty like a big boy that's finally potty trained!!!!!!!!! Hello 3! I think I'm going to like you!!!

Once home from the park, Noah went down for his nap and Elijah and I headed outside. By then the rain was starting to fall and we took full advantage by playing soccer in the front yard, playing chase (by Dinosaurs of course), riding his bike and doing some puddle stomping for two! We had a blast and just as the rain really starting coming down, CC, Aunt Carol and Cake-lyn arrived to bring PRESENTS!!!!  

On a side note, blessed doesn't begin to describe how amazing these women are to us and how very grateful we are for each of them every day. Aunt Carol, whom we met just after moving to SC, has taken us in, shown us love in so many ways and been there for us the way only family does. CC (Sara Elise) is such a wonderful young woman and she was the first sitter we ever had. She helped teach Elijah how to be kind, have fun, be creative and just be yourself. We've missed her a ton this past year while she was away at college and are so excited to have her back for the summer. And last, but certainly not least, Cake-lyn (Caitlyn), who was recruited by CC and brought into our home to take care of BOTH boys. The thought of caring for a 2yr and 3 month old scared me....and they're MINE. Cake-lyn keeps the boys and makes it look easy. She's kind, loving, totally herself and a brilliant young woman. Again, we couldn't be more blessed to have her with our children and loving them with her whole heart, just as we love them. Thank you ladies. We are blessed.

CC and Aunt Carol brought Elijah an awesome DINOSAUR that eats MONEY (a dino bank). They were even kind enough to bring dino food with BALLOONS!!!!! Thank you CC and Aunt Carol!!!

Cake-lyn brought some amazing dinosaur paintings (that she did herself!!!!), a window bird house that you can look into and watch the birds and (drum roll.......) A SLIP AND SLIDE!!!!! Seriously, I'm not sure who's more excited, Elijah or Cake-lyn and me?! Either way, it's going to be AWESOME!!!!!!!! Thank you Cake-lyn!

After all that fun, Elijah took a little nap, Noah and I played a ton and I even gave Noah his first haircut. Admittedly, I'm not talented in this area. That is unfortunate. It doesn't look bad, but I promise I won't do it again. 

Either way, Noah was POOPED. 

After eating a wonderful, on the fly dinner, we had a very special birthday cupcake from Sweet! Elijah loved the candle so much, he blew it out a second time. Who knows what he wished for....dinosaurs....but he was H-A-PP-Y



Elijah has never been one for sweets beyond an M&M or chocolate chip. Tonight, for the first time, he went after that cupcake and loved it! 
Happy 3rd birthday to a wonderful, kind, sweet, funny, silly, loud little boy that makes my heart feel so happy every day. We love you!