3rd birthday fun

Wow, he's three. Raging three actually. His first response isn't necessarily obedience anymore, which is really causing me to rely on the Lord for wisdom. Which battles are the right ones to pick? What do you do when it's just that he's overtired from not napping (but TOTALLY refuses to rest)? I've tried 'it all' it feels like, and nothing seems to 'work'. I think it's a case-by-case event, which is again why it's so important for me to be partnering with Christ in parenting. I cannot do this on my own.

That said, he's still such a stinkin' cutie! The boy is such a joy in my life. The goodbye kisses, the blowing me kisses, and the 'I love you mommy' I get each day as I drop him off to MDO just make me beam. And then I get to return to a full-run, tackle hug and huge squeezes and 'MOMMY!' when I pick him up each day, as if he hadn't just seen me 4 hours ago or we haven't been doing this for a year. Cade has such a big heart....very compassionate. We've noticed that early on. I wonder how God will choose to have this honor him in Cade's purposing? What an exciting question to contemplate.

Back to being 3, he's also discovered himself, if you know what I mean. Not being a boy myself nor having brothers, a bit disconcerting. Fortunately, I have a friend who has an 8 year old, and we were running partners back when her son was 2-4. I so remember her telling me about this stage. I look forward to when it isn't such a novelty anymore.

His 3rd bday was at Gymboree. The kids & adults had a blast it seemed. I spent 8 hours baking mini train cakes (thanks, mom, for the mold pan!) and then had 4 women come over and help decorate them the night before (only 2 hours for that!). They looked awesome and tasted pretty good too. All in all, a great celebration. Maybe someday Cade will know how much love I put into his parties. Then again, probably not. :)