Brooks' 3rd Birthday

First of all, I'm happy to report that we made it through this birthday without any puking.  And for that reason alone, I'd consider it a success.  But on Saturday, my Brooks baby (or not so baby) turned 3.  THREE!  Can you believe it?  I've found that celebrating birthdays are a little different as a parent.  We had a really fun day celebrating with a party and lots of good food, but I found myself throughout the day thinking about what I was doing at that exact time three years ago.  And I made sure to keep an eye on the clock for when 6:40pm rolled around - the moment our first son was born!  Ah, memories.  But as great as that day was three years ago, I certainly appreciate not having to be in labor every year ;)  Here's how we celebrated our day ....

For breakfast, Chris and Brooks headed to the donut shop where Brooks could pick out any donut he wanted.  And Brooks was as excited as a kid in a .... well, donut shop!

he picked one with white frosting and sprinkles

headed home with the loot

There was definitely more frosting eaten than actual donut, but that's allowed on your birthday, right?

Shortly after breakfast, we packed up all the food and party supplies and headed to Spellerberg Park for Brooks' party.  It was a baseball themed party inspired by Grandma Marty.  When my mom was here this spring she asked Brooks if he had a baseball bat.  When he replied that he didn't, she said "maybe you'll get one for your birthday."  And Brooks interpreted that to mean "I AM getting a bat for my birthday".  And then he decided he wanted a baseball party since he was getting a new bat anyway.  And since I didn't want to disappoint my little guy (and his request seemed reasonable) we had a baseball party.

That morning Brooks wore his baseball shirt and hat.  Carter even dressed for the occasion.

We started the party by playing a game of baseball, of course.  

Jake at the bat!

Jake's little sister, Celia gave it a try too!

Papa Gale was the third base coach.  And second base coach.  We discovered that playing baseball with two three year olds and a one year old requires a LOT of coaching :)  "Run to first base.  No the other first base.  That's third base.  [pointing to first base]  Over here.  Run over here.  You know what?  That's good.  You just stay on third base."  Brooks had a ton of fun and that's what really matters, right?


After the ball game, we brought out the baseball pinata.

Making that pinata was a labor of love I tell you.  Chris and I both spent hours paper mache-ing, painting, filling, etc.  We had to explain to Brooks ahead of time how pinatas work and he was super excited about it. Until he took the first two swings and decided he didn't like the loud noise of the bat hitting the pinata.  He declared that he was done and sat down. (sigh)

Jake, on the other hand, loved it!  He whacked that pinata until it split wide open.  I believe he was highly motivated by the candy on the inside :)

Next came presents ......

After opening the presents we at a "baseball" lunch with brats, peanuts, chips (just for Brooks :) and some fruit salad.  Then came the cake!

I'd say he liked it!  We are all so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family.  Brooks loved all of his gifts and he truly felt special at his birthday.  Thank you to everyone who came and to family who sent gifts for him!

Grandma Gale and Carter

Katie and Celia

 Later that afternoon we gave Brooks his "big" birthday present from us.  A new bike!!!

Brooks was pretty excited and wanted to ride it right away.  But he's never ridden a real bike before and the "pedal with one foot, then the other" concept quickly became frustrating for him.  We both tried to help him, but we realized this would take a little longer to learn.  Then he said "Daddy, I want to share my bike with you.  It's your turn to ride it now."  Translation: "I'm all done with this bike.  You take it."  He has ridden a few times since his birthday and I'm proud to say that he is learning how to ride it.  Slowly, but surely.

That evening I made Brooks a special birthday dinner.  I asked him earlier in the week what he would like and he requested chicken, fries, baked beans and green beans.  That, my son, is doable.  And I was especially proud that he asked for vegetables for his birthday.

So I made homemade chicken strips and fries, along with the requested beans. 

We all enjoyed the meal and ate until we were stuffed!  Then while we were eating, I looked over and saw this!

Earlier at Brooks' party, Carter took a short 45 minute nap in my Boba carrier around 11am and then didn't nap for the rest of the day.  I tried several times to put him down, but he wanted none of it.  So come supper time, he was really tired.  Obviously.  And it pretty much blew.my.mind that he just fell asleep.  No crying, no fussing.  Just fell asleep.  So weird!

We finished out the day with baths for both the boys and reading books on the couch.  It was such a fun day celebrating our new three year old.  It's still hard to believe it's been three years since he was born.  It seems forever ago and not that long all at the same time.  But it's been such a fantastic three years and I'm so excited to continue watching Brooks grow and learn and discover God's plan for his love.  We are all so blessed to have this special little boy (er, big boy) in our family.  Happy Birthday Brooks!