Happy 3rd Birthday Miles!

I can't believe that Miles is 3! He has been so excited about his birthday and continuously talked about his party, having friends over, wearing party hats, eating cake, opening presents, and dancing. Since before Christmas, he's been talking about his party and I had to put it in perspective for him. We told him first Christmas, then the baby, and then his birthday. He kept revisiting this time line and seemed ok with it. Well, the baby threw off his plans and decided not to come before his birthday! He was a bit upset about that. As his big day and party grew closer, we were talking about it more and more, but he always said, "no! baby first!" It was pretty cute, but he didn't really understand that things might go out of order. The day before his birthday, we were talking about it and he brought the baby up again. I was talking to him about how the baby might wait and come after his birthday and party. He finally seemed to understand this and decided it would be ok if we had 3 parties-1 at school for him, 1 at home, and then 1 for the baby. I thought it was nice that he'll let the baby have his/her own party!

We took treats in to school on his birthday-cupcakes, party hats, party blowers, and Cheez-Its. Miles had a good time and was so excited to celebrate! We decided to have McDonald's for dinner for Miles' birthday. He decided he wanted chicken nuggets, french fries, and a cheeseburger! He actually ate fairly well and then was off to play. I don't think he realized we were celebrating his birthday! We tried to have cupcakes and sing to him, but he said he didn't want to. So we asked him if he wanted to open gifts and he agreed to that! He had a great time opening presents from us, Uncle Michael, my boss Kathy, and Uncle Matt, Aunt Missy, Gavin and Emmett. He couldn't believe all the cool things he got! He was especially excited about the cash register from Gavin and Emmett and the tool set from us, but he really enjoyed all the gifts-thank you! We tried again to get Miles to have cupcakes and sing to him, but he didn't want to! We never did get to sing on his birthday!

Saturday we woke up ready to party! Miles was so excited! We went out and got the rest of the supplies we needed-balloons and food and then came home and got the house ready. Miles actually went down for a nap pretty well and even woke up in time for the party! While we were finishing up the decorations, he just kept asking when his friends were coming and couldn't we just go knock on their doors instead? It was very hard for him to wait! But finally everyone began arriving. We had a small party, 3 families and a total of 6 kids plus Miles. It was just the right size! We had some games planned-pin the tail on the donkey and the Grand Prize Game (from back in the day off the BOZO show), but those didn't really go over so well! The only ones to actually do pin the tail on the donkey were Ahmad and Elliott. We sort of tried to start the Grand Prize Game, but there was no interest, so we just let the kids run around and play. They had a great time! The one thing that we had planned that went over well was decorating sugar cookies. I had baked the cookies and then divided up white icing and dyed it different colors. Then we had some different sprinkles. This was a big hit! Miles opened gifts (thank you everyone!) and then we were ready for cake. I had made a basketball cake for Miles that he was previously very excited about. But when it came time to sing to him, he suddenly turned shy. I had to hold him at the table while we all sang and then he didn't want to blow out the candle. I helped him and we enjoyed some cake.

I made it through Miles' birthday and party....now waiting on the baby! It's a full moon tonight and our hope is that the pull will bring the baby! (not sure if I believe that, but hey, at 8 days past due, I'm hoping on everything possible!)