Happy 3rd Birthday, Sweet D.!

As is tradition, I enjoy showing a multitude of pictures covering the year on a birthday!  As I look through all my pictures on the computer I recognized a few things, 1) His hair used to be SO much lighter!  People (Grandpa Hank mostly) have been telling me that his hair is darker now and I didnt really understand- but looking at these pictures I am amazed at how much darker it has gotten in 12 months.  2) D. loves cameras- but he doesn't always want to be in pictures when I want him to.  It was harder to find pictures than I suspected.  So- a year in review- D!

 Mother's Day 2012.  Enjoying a nice moment on our deck!

 One advantage to living 12 miles from Lake Michigan was the ease in spending time at the beach!  The last few months of living in Wisconsin we made sure to enjoy our time there.  The above picture shows the joy my son feels- and I love the look of that hat!  Below is a precious picture of Sister and Brother- braving the COLD COLD Lake Michigan Water!

 These are D.'s all time favorite PJs.  He is actually wearing them to bed tonight as well.  I again love that smile!

 Off on one of many adventures- our trip to the strawberry patch!

 Bay Beach- what a fun place to go!

 I wanted to add a picture of his speech therapist, Lynn.  She was amazing helping A. and D. with their communication and we are forever grateful for the work she did for our children!

 On the go- the sprinkler park in Sheboygan!

 A family picture in the still waters of Lake Michigan

 Just a glimpse of the imagination and expressions I see each day!

 Proof it was time to cut his hair- and showing how light colored it used to be!

 My boy and I on a hayride!

 He posed this himself- it made our Christmas magnets!

 Fun in the bathtub!

 Dad and his Boy!

 Family Christmas 2012

 Iowa has snow too!

 Lots of snow (it even snowed today, April 23!)

D. opening his birthday presents.  We will celebrate some more Saturday as we head to an amusement park and next weekend when Andy's parents come for the weekend!  It is then I will unveil the birthday cake I am hoping to make... firetruck?  Diego? or Diego on firetruck!???  Find out soon!!!  :)

Sweet D.,
Wow what a year you have had!  Last year at this time you were still wearing diapers, your speech was limited and you were hard to understand.  Now you are talking all the time and wearing big boy undies!  Woohoo!!!  I am so thankful for you, D.  I love waking up to you coming to our room, hearing you loudly whisper, "Time to get up Momma? I cuddle with you?" quickly followed by, "I be on the iPad? Brefast?"  I love the games we play- tickling you, playing kitty or firetruck dog.  I enjoy watching you and Sissy play together.  I enjoy all the dance shows you do (Kung Fu Fighting is my fav with those moves!)  I love hearing your thoughts- beginning to see how you express your concerns and questions.  You are a smart boy- and I look forward to seeing how you continue to grow.  You have adjust well with our move this past summer.  I know you sometimes still say you want to go home, but it is my hope you will understand that home is where your family is.  I am excited you have made friends here and I envision lots of playing with the neighbors this summer!
In the coming year, I hope that you continue to make friends, be kind to others, learn the word No and what it means and stay safe, and grow to be the amazing boy  that God has created you to be.  You astound me each day and I am so thankful to be your mom.  You are a wonderful brother to A.- always running to me when she gets hurt.  You are a fun friend to play with- full of energy and imagination (I love when our toys have the same name- almost every time!!).  I love you, my son, D.  I look forward to being part of each day as you grow and learn new things.
Love,
Mommy