The Big 3!

How has it been 3 years since I first laid eyes on this sweet boy?

I'm happy to be able to finally call Jack a 3 year old though. The closer he got to 3, the weirder it sounded to call him 2. He's getting so big and looking and acting more like a "kid" every day. He's been completely potty trained, with only 3 accidents (2 at daycare, 1 at home), since he was 2 1/2. I think it was so easy for us because I started early and it was very gradual. I encouraged him but didn't force it. It's been great!

Jack astounds me with his memory. He remembers things that happened months ago, even the details. This is nothing new. Even at his 2 year check up the doctor commented on his memory. He remembers people, events, words. The other night he picked up a book and I watched him read each page word for word. He didn't miss a word! It was crazy!

He talks extremely well and at his 3 year check-up the doctor as well as another mom in the waiting room commented on it. He's also really funny and he makes me laugh all the time. Sometimes he says something and I have to hide my smile or laugh. There's one thing he says that I hope never stops. It's simple but so cute and always makes me smile. Whenever I tell Jack not to do something he says, "Okay, I will don't." He's also a huge backseat driver and he's constantly telling me, "You can't go in that red light. Red means stop!"

We went to Stride Rite the other day and an older boy coughed. Out of nowhere I hear Jack say, "You have to cover your mouth when you cough." Sidney and I looked at each other and silently cracked up! And whenever Daddy or Grandpa burps (because Mommy never does- haha!) he says, "You have to say excuse me." He makes me so proud! He has very good manners and he's a little bit bossy. He's very independent and wants to do everything on his own. Or at least try to. He's a jokester and a prankster. He likes to hide and wait for me to come out of the bathroom and then he says, "Boo!" He has started telling jokes too and he really impresses me with how his little mind works. Sometimes he says something and then says, "I'm just kidding."

He's obsessed with the movie Cars, especially Lightening McQueen who he says is the fastest race car in the whole wide world. A few months ago Jack called him "Lightening to the Queen" and said, "He's the fastest race car ever in my world." It was so cute and I'm a tiny bit sad that he says it the right way now. He's also obsessed with superheroes, mainly Spider-Man. He also likes Batman, Superman, Iron Man, and the Hulk. He's never seen any TV show or movie with these characters, but I've told him who they all are and what they do and he has a few Spider-Man toys. It amazes me that he knows so much about them and likes them so much even though he hasn't seen anything with them in it. I don't plan on showing him anything until he gets older!

He's still a very nice, loving kid. He shares easily even with kids he doesn't know and he always wants everyone to have the same thing. If he has a piece of candy, everyone needs to have one. He's very thoughtful! He does really well with kids of all ages. He's great with babies and can hold his own with bigger kids. He definitely gets angry and whines and cries, but he saves that up for me! Overall he's a very good kid and I know I'm lucky!

Jack, you are awesome! You have me wrapped around your finger and I'm pretty sure you know it. You've showed me the meaning of unconditional love, bring me huge amounts of joy, and amaze me every day. I'm so proud of you and thankful beyond words that you are in my life. I love you so much!! Happy 3rd birthday, Jack Jack!!