Ode to a 3 year old!

You had a birthday shout hooray!...

My dear Peanut is no toddler anymore. He is a little man at this point it seems. Short of facial hair and of course the ability to take care of himself (he would dare to disagree as he scales the pantry shelves to get his own lunch of marshmallows and chewing gum), this kid is growing up. Today in the car he used a deep voice reminiscent of Anna Farris in House Bunny...

Not sure why he was talking that way but it was funny. And he thought he was so funny too. So funny that he laughed at his own joke. Which he does quite often. He is so taking after his daddy. Anyways, he had his third birthday. Nothing crazy this year. Just three gifts, we got out the Christmas train, and we let him choose where to go out to eat (I didn't want to cook and he doesn't know what his favorite dinner is) which, of course, was Chick Fil'A because they have a "play place". On the road to dinner, though, he wanted to change his mind to Red Robin (because we pass right by it), but we were staying the course since we were meeting the Lewis' there. His efforts to change our minds included telling us and demonstrating that he could read almost all of the letters on the sign ("There is an "O" mommy. Daddy a "D" a "D" a "D"!). Once there he couldn't even wait for his food because he NEEDED to be in the pway pwace. I'd say it was a successful day!

The biggest milestone this birthday and new year have brought us is potty training. HALLELUJAH! We're almost there. He's got number 1 down pat, even to the point of no reminding, but that other stuff, the number 2, well that's a hit or miss (it was definitely a miss at Chick Fil'A as Rob will tell you--I did hear Rob say, "No, you cannot pee in the play-place!"). At day 5 we were at a 50% success rate. Which seems pretty good to me. Maybe we'll move up at 10% increments in relation to the amount of days. Check back again on day 10 (January 11th in case you are wondering) and we'll see how that theory proves...I wrote that a few days ago and we are now past day 10. We are not at a 100% success rate but we are more like an 80% rate, even with a day of the runs thrown in there . (Sorry if this paragraph is just too much TMI, yet on I forge...) That said I am pleased as punch. I was fearing that we would not be leaving the house for months but it was just a week or so and we've been fine. We've ventured to the gym, the grocery store and have successfully navigated nursery school at church two weeks in a row, accident free. So all hats off to Peanut the newest, and coolest, big boy on the block!

The Stats:
Height-- 38 1/2"
Weight--33lbs

Had his first big kid physical at the doctor. He turned his head and coughed with flying colors while I stifled a giggle in the background.

Peanut's list of favorites are this:

1) Trains. Train everything...drawings, toys, underwear, you name it and he would like it to involve a train. I even asked him what his favorite animal was and he said, "No animals mommy. Just trains." I also noted him sneaking toy trains wrapped in his blanket tonight up to his room at bedtime. Obsessed?
2) Snacks and Treats. Another trait he has inherited from his father. If he ever asks for real food other than cheese I am always surprised and oblige him quickly. I am not saying he is a picky eater just that his affinity for sweet treats, gum, soda and juice is astounding.
3) Playing basketball at the gym. Playing ball is a loose term as I think he just wants to run and run and throw the balls around willy nilly, occasionally running to the small-kids hoop in the corner. He rushes out of the kid zone, at the gym, the minute I free him after my class, and runs straight to the basketball courts making sure I allow him his 15 minutes of playing time before we head home.
4) Blankie. This blessed piece of comfort is still a source of angst when leaving the house. Mom says it stays, Peanut says it goes. [Rob: And we all know who wins that argument...]

Mom's favorite things include:
1) The fact that he still naps at least 2 1/2 hours each day.
2) His love and caring for his little brother Cashew.
3) His independent spirit. I say this in the fake it till I feel it spirit with the knowledge that one day this will be a strong asset of his.
4) That he likes green smoothies and has recently acquired a taste for salad (caked in ranch dressing).
5) His tenderness and sensitivity. He always makes sure Henry has his blankie and is so fun and sweet during certain moments. He really does think about others. Even as a toddler. He likes us to lay with him in his bed once in awhile before he falls asleep and he makes sure to cover us up with blankies and give us a big kiss. Then he imagines away while he tells a little story or joke. Those are priceless moments for me. I can't really write them justice here.

Two funny stories...we got a mickey mouse grilled sandwich press for Christmas from my bro. Peanut gets all excited about his Mickey Sandwiches. So, we headed out to eat one night a few days after Christmas and when asked what he would like from the kids menu (after I read him the choices of course) he says, "Mini burgers". When they arrived he asked, "Where's the Minnie burgers?" I heard, "Where's the mini burgers," and was baffled...until we got home and I saw the sandwich press and finally figured it out. What a funny kid.

Secondly, what is it with boys and their sense of humor? Peanut was jumping on the bed in the basement one day and I said, "Please be careful not to fall in the crack between the wall and bed." He says, "WHOA! Mom, I almost fell and hit my balls! Ha ha ha ha ha! I said balls!" Oh dear. He's only three and I did NOT teach him that. It was hard not to laugh.

I love you, my handsome little boy. More and more every day.