Three Years

Three years ago I became Ethan's mom; one of the hardest yet rewarding jobs I have had. I have a hard time remembering what life was like before Ethan; before becoming a mom. June 28th, 2008...one of the most special and memorable days of my life. Ethan's birthday...the day my life changed, became more important and more meaningful, more happy. And while there are times when I feel like days of the last 3 years have gone slowly, the years have flown by. Can my baby be 3 already? Sure enough he is and I wish I could bottle time so I don't forget these days; they are going by too fast! Even the toughest days are days I don't want to forget because while they were trying, the reward was incomprehensible. I became a better person and my son was further molded into the person he will become. I thank God everyday for what He has given us because this is my life and I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Those bright eyes brighten my day...everyday! (Side note: I see a lot of Henry in this picture). Even if it is an hour or 2 before I normally would like to wake up. Mornings with Ethan are my favorite. He is usually up before Henry which gives us a few minutes to snuggle in bed before we get the day started. He tends to steal most of my pillow to ensure we are within inches of each other. His hand goes on my cheek and he just smiles at me until I am finally convinced it is time to get up. Or, my phone will do the trick if I want to catch a couple more winks! He is sweet...so sweet! Even after the 15th "mommy, mommy."
Ethan is all boy...trucks, tractors, trains...they rule his life. He loves to play on the floor with all his vehicles, talking to himself about being the Fire Chief, emergencies, race tracks, monster trucks. His imagination is wild and takes him all over! His daddy's love for sports is slowing becoming a sweet spot for Ethan. He can't get enough of the Cubs and loves throwing and kicking balls. Ethan is also quite fond of the horses and has been caught watching a race or 2 on TV, of course only after ensuring we each have a pony to route for. He also loves music and is becoming quite the country fan like Matt and I...knowing the words to Zac Brown Band and Taylor Swift. Too much of US 99, I guess. We often have dance parties with Henry while making dinner, just before daddy gets home.

He has more energy than I like to admit sometimes, which allows us to spend a lot of time outside. Running around, playing at the park, just having fun! He is especially fond of the roll-y slide park and only asks about a million times a day if we can walk to that one. I am happy to oblige if it means we can run around and release some of the gallons of energy he has. He loves hanging out with the big boys next door and can't get enough of all the fun things they do. Jack and Brian think he is great and treat him like their little brother. If only he could ride a bike or run around as fast as they do!

Ethan also loves to talk...about anything! As many 3 year olds are, he is extremely curious and can't get enough of asking "why." I am constantly amazed at his ability to remember almost anything you tell him (that he wants to listen too, of course) and can't believe just how much he absorbs on a daily basis. He can speak in full sentences now and does really well with manners and after warming up to you will be your best bud as long as you play and talk to him. He still loves to read books and can't go to bed at night with having a book or two read to him.

Speaking of bed time, our biggest accomplishment this year, besides potty training (which he mastered quite quickly), has been giving up our pacis. It is something we should have given up a long time ago, but I think in my eyes, it kept him a baby. Ethan loved his pacis; they were his security blanket, his protector, his comfort, but we knew they had to go! So, we bit the bullet after weeks of talking about him giving his pacis up. Last Friday was Ethan's first night without them (yes, them...he had no less than 4 in bed with him every night) and we haven't looked back since. He asks for them every night and nap time is a little more difficult, but he is doing great so far. I was a little worried that our nights would be shorter without them, but so far so good. Just another sign that he is not a baby any more...insert sad face here!

Ethan has also grown quite fond of his brother, which melts my heart. He wants to be the first one in Henry's room when he wakes up in the morning and can't resist spending time in the crib with Henry before we head downstairs. He makes sure he knows where Henry is no matter where we are and is always asking, "Hey, buddy, are you ok?" So sweet! He doesn't like that Henry can now move and touch all his things, but he is very good at giving Henry another toy, as long as it is not Ethan's! He loves to talk and sing to Henry, which puts the biggest smile on Henry's face. I absolutely love to see the two of them interact; there is nothing that brings me more joy than the way they make each other laugh.
As Ethan celebrates his 3rd birthday, I can't help but think about all the joy he has brought to our lives and how much we have to look forward to with our boys. He brings out every emotion in me; making me happy, sad, mad, frustrated. He makes life easier and harder at the same time. He makes me smile and laugh and laugh harder and sometimes cry. He gives me purpose, confidence and strength. He makes me proud to a mom, his mom (and Henry's too). I never knew how much love I could have for someone else before I had children, I would do absolutely anything for them to ensure their happiness and well being. I know this sounds cliche, but they are my pride and joy.

So Ethan, as you begin your 4th year of life, I hope you continue to be just as amazing as you already are. Never let go of all that energy and curiosity. You keep me on my toes and I couldn't love you more. Happy Birthday, EJH! We love you!

Oh and it is hard to believe that 3 short years ago, he weighed just 3 lbs. 13 ounces. At our doctor's appointment last week, Ethan weighed 31 1/2 pounds (47%) and just over 3 feet (37 inches) tall (25%). Pretty amazing considering he wasn't even on the charts at one point during his life, even at his adjusted age! Way to go, buddy!