Happy 3rd birthday Jacob!

Each year that my kids have a birthday, I am always amazed at how quickly the time flies and this year has been an especially bittersweet milestone for me because my "baby" isn't much of a baby anymore.  We've had so much fun watching Jacob grow up and grow into himself this past year, though.

This year, Jacob's birthday was a full week of "festivities."  For months now, he has been walking around telling me almost daily "My birthday's coming at Chuck E. Cheese"  I'm not sure where he got that from, but he was determined that he was going to have his birthday at Chuck E. Cheese.  Between the two kids, I think we've been to a birthday party every week at Chuck E. Cheese for the past month and each time we'd leave for a party, he'd ask if it was his birthday.

We celebrated his birthday at Chuck E. Cheese with my family last weekend because my parents were going to be out of town this weekend.  Here are some action shots of the "fun."

Riding the horse all by himself and hanging out with Chuck E Cheese (this is as close to him as he'll get - he won't get near the "real" one when he comes out!)

Emily posing for both cameras (the one on the "ride" and mine) - it's hard for us to get her to just smile and take a "normal" picture anymore!

Little Madison (my niece) joined us - she was "big" enough to ride some of the rides!

Jacob wanted to take a treat to share with his daycare buddies.  Jason found some really cute Cookie Monster cupcakes (complete with a real cookie coming out of the mouth) and they were a hit.  There were four left over - just enough for us to have a family treat.

Jacob was so excited to open his birthday presents!

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa White for the new dinosaur.  He and Emily have been fighting over it all day (and daddy has had fun chasing both kids around with it, too!)

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa White for my new towel!  I can't wait to use it at swimming this week!

I don't know if Jacob was more excited about having Thomas on his care or about the cake itself!

Blowing out the candles!

Since I've been really bad about updating the blog lately (I've got LOTS of pictures to upload, I'm just bad about making the time to do it), I thought I'd share a few updates about Jacob.

He literally has "grown up" overnight.  He got a late start talking, but you'd never know it now because he chatters all the time.  Between him and Emily, I am lucky if I can get a word in.  He loves playing with his toys and I'm really starting to see his imagination kick in.  This morning, the first thing he said was "I want to play with my toys."

He loves his big sister, follows her all over the house, and wants to be just like her.  Sometimes that can be a bit disturbing for Jason.  He wasn't too thrilled the other day when Jacob was walking around with one of Emily's purses on his arm and quickly dug out an old wallet and informed him that "wallets are for boys."  Now, Jacob goes around telling us that this is for girls or this is for boys or that this is for boys AND girls.  Every now and then, Jacob and Emily have their "moments" as most siblings do, but for the most part, we have gotten incredibly lucky because they really do get along well and I just love watching (and listening to them) play together.

He loves playing outside.  He can ride Emily's tricycle and also loves riding her pink princess scooter (which Jason was thrilled with - insert sarcasm).  Needless to say, he got a "big boy" red scooter for his birthday and has loved riding around on it.

He's a great helper and is always willing to go shopping with me and to help me unload and put away groceries when we get home.

Happy birthday Jacob!  We love you and are so glad you're part of our family!