Birthday Boy

I'm sure we'll say it every year, but we can't believe TJ is three!  It has been a true blessing to watch this little guy grow right before our eyes.  He is so full of joy, and he has filled our lives with a happiness and love that we could've never imagined! 

TJ is full of sass... he's quick-witted, smart, loving and everything else in between.  Every day, he does something that makes us look at each other and say, "Did that just happen?"

This birthday was a little different than the past two since we were celebrating it out here in California... not surrounded by the family and friends we're used to filling our home.  Instead, on the day before his birthday, TJ had a party at his school. Mommy and TJ had made Spiderman cupcakes the night before, and he had a great time with his teachers and buddies.

On his actual birthday, Mommy ended up taking TJ to the doctor because he had a nasty cold.  The doc put him on steroids since his airway was a little swollen, but he gave him the all-clear to celebrate all weekend.  The doctor did a quick 3-year checkup for him, too, and he was impressed by his vocabulary and articulation.  Dr. Berston said TJ is speaking at the level of a 5-year-old.  Of course, TJ doesn't stop talking from the time he wakes up to the time he falls asleep.  And, of course, we believe TJ is advanced, so it was nice to hear the doctor's perspective.

After the doctor's office, TJ & Mommy headed to the airport to pick up Grandma, Aunt G and... GRANDPA!  That's right, Pa made his frist trip to SF for TJ's birthday.  TJ was so excited to have them here, it was great.  He was so happy showing Pa his room, backyard, and toys.  After dropping their bags off, TJ & Mommy took everyone into the city for some sightseeing.  Pa enjoyed seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, getting a tour of Mommy's work, and then strolling through North Beach before finding a nice little Italian place to have dinner. 

By the end of the day, TJ was sleeping hard when Nana & Janet flew in Friday night.  He was excited to see them both Saturday morning as we got ready to head to his birthday party at Bubba Gump's.

Bubba's is TJ's favorite place in the city, so it was the only place to really have his party.  TJ was so happy to have Grandma, Pa, Aunt G, Nana and Janet there, but he ditched us all as soon as Gianna walked in the door!  Gianna is the youngest daughter of one of Mommy's friends at work.  She just turned five, and TJ is in love with her!  It's so funny to see him with her... and he was by her side the entire day -- through lunch, the carousel rides and sea lion watching.

TJ also felt special his best buddy Jack and his friend Payton sent him presents all the way from Colorado.  He thought that was pretty cool!

After a busy birthday party at Bubba Gump's, the families went back to the house so TJ could break in to all of his toys and we could relax.  Sunday morning, TJ took everyone to his favorite breakfast place for Mickey Mouse pancakes.  Then, it was more playtime at the house before our visitors had to go to the airport and head home.  TJ was sad to see everyone go, but we were all so glad to have so many people come and see our little man for his birthday.