This week my baby turned three.
It’s hard not to get sentimental when you know that from here on out, every milestone is the last one. This is our last third birthday, the last set of sippy cups and small plastic spoons. I wasn’t ok with not having any more babies. Yes, I know, we have 4 and we’re definitely blessed to have them all. And I know it’s crazy because we’re popping out at the seams as it is in our crowded apartment but I always wanted just one more…
But this isn’t about me, it’s about this little stinker and how did he ever get to be three already?
He loves to ride his trike, the one that was too big for him when we bought it just a few months ago.
He’s the biggest PJ Masks fan EVER. Gekko is his favorite, and he still wears his Gekko costume even though it’s more than a month past Halloween.
He is absolutely, 100%, all-boy. Johnny is so aggressive, always ready to wrestle, and never tires of teasing his sisters. How he gets away with it, when they are so much bigger than him and outnumber him, is beyond me.
But he also is my little snuggler. None of my other kids have carried a blanket with them except this little guy. He loves to be cozy, wrapped up, and hugged tightly. Waking up before his sisters, he crawls into my bed every morning and just cuddles up next to his Mommy and Daddy.
I regret so many things about my life as a working mom, and wish every day that our kids could experience a different kind of childhood. One where their parents had time/energy to read them stories and play imaginary games with them instead of always having to work. While so much of me wants to look back and weep over what can’t be, I know in my heart that I need to look forward at what is to come, and enjoy every moment of what is here right now.
Those little wispy curls that form over his ears.
The way he covers his eyes and pretends he’s hiding every single time I go to take him out of his car seat. The game of “find Johnny” never gets old to him.
But I especially love the way he is growing so independent. Every new challenge is met with a confident, “I got this, Mommy”.
Johnny, I pray you never lose confidence in yourself.
Happy birthday my littlest spitfire, and thank you for the exhausting days of busy chaos that you’ve blessed us with.
I love you to the moon and back. 
