Matthew Turns Three

For about six months Matthew has been pacing aisles of every store pointing things out, saying "I want dat for my birfuhday. Oh! And I uh want uh dat for my birfuhday, right mom?" It always cracked us up. So when his birfuhday finally came, he was pretty excited.  I think he was most excited that instead of holding up two fingers, he would get to hold up three, at least that is what he talked about every day leading up to the day.  He also talked about how he was going to have a dragon cake and ice-cream.

I didn't get a ton of pictures from the day, but it sure was fun cuddling him and he didn't mind all the attention on him one bit. 

I found a great tutorial online for the cake and I was pleased with how it turned out!

Here it is before the wings were added. I thought it looked so good! The kids were also impressed and Johnny and Caity told me I could totally win a baking show (that has been a "thing" for them this summer.) We decorated by his bed with zoo animals and strung helium balloons to the foot of his bed. William and I chose out a new animal shirt for him to wear on his Birthday. He was kind of excited about the animals, but mostly excited about the front pocket.

The kids each got a sticky hand, novelty flavored air-heads, and gummy worms at their placemats. Matthew chose all the meals for the day: cinnamon rolls and chocolate milk for breakfast, rice krispie treats (that he helped make,) watermelon and Cheetos for lunch, then pizza and soda for dinner.

I think the best part for Matthew was that everyone included him in everything all day long.

He was in heaven. 

For gifts:

John and I got him a transformer and a set of PJ masks action figures.

Grandpa and Grandma Brassell got him a set of Eric Carle board books.

Grandma and Grandpa Partridge got him a STEM floating experiment kit and a glow in the dark race track.

His Brassell Great Grandparents also sent him a card in the mail with a big, glittery "3" on the cover- that made his day.

I always like to find a moment to connect with the birthday child and really bond. For Matthew it didn't happen until the next day. John had the older kids and Matthew was in complete despair that they left without him. "They are never coming back for meeeee." 

We got in our swimsuits and colored the bathwater green and played with the floating experiment we got from Grandma. We had so much fun laughing and learning, it was seriously the best. 

Back to Matthew's actual day:

When John got home we had Pizza, sang Happy Birthday, talked to grandparents, opened presents, had a water fight in the backyard and FINALLY had Matthew's dragon cake!

It was such a good day celebrating such a special boy.

Matthew is sunshine to our family. He is almost always happy and cheerful. He loves being included and has seriously FOMO (fear of missing out.) I love his cuddles and how he places his hands on my cheek when he's trying to fall asleep. He forgives easily. Matthew's laugh has to be one of my favorite sounds ever. I love watching him copy his big brothers and yet stay so independent and such an individual. 

Dear Matthew,

You were born at such a crazy, hectic time for our family. The moment you entered the world, our life seemed to slow to an almost-halt, and your dad and I were filled with such joy. You were a binding force that kept our family close, focused, and happy. You are a delight and I am so happy you are our little boy.

We love you!

Mom

Also: Finally did Caity's 8th Birthday post here, and her 9th Birthday post here. (playing catch up!)