And then he was three

Tristan turned three today and I can hardly believe it. We had a nice morning opening presents and hanging out waiting to go to "old McDonalds" for his party. Since he is three, we invited three friends to his party. I almost changed at the last minute, but after we got to the party I felt confident in my decision. He was able to play with all of his friends and it felt less like a romper room that it probably would have. They played, had happy meals, sundaes, cake pops, and presents. What little kid could ask for more?

The twins brought their own dates and had a fabulous time! They were so good I kept forgetting they were there.

I remember birthday parties at McDonalds when I was growing up and thinking they were so much fun. I hope Tristan remembers this birthday as fondly as I remember mine.

Each birthday that Tristan has had so far, I have teared up at some point in the day. This year, the tears did not come when we ran into his room to sing Happy Birthday when he woke up, or opening presents, or at his party, or at the usual time when the group sings Happy Birthday at the party I thought maybe I was over all of that. Maybe this year I was finally getting less emotional about the passing years and my baby growing up. Then... we got home and put the babies to bed. Everything was quiet while Neil got Tristan's room ready for his nap and I flopping down in the big green chair to catch my breath. When I looked up, I saw Tristan laying on his belly in the living room playing with his Legos that he opened this morning. He had a whole story going between the Lego guys and was so deep in play that he didn't even notice I was there. That's when it hit me just how big he was getting! The play was so imaginative and independent. I wanted to go jump in and play with the birthday boy, but I could tell he didn't need me there. Well, maybe next year I won't cry.