Happy Birthday Tyler!!

Before I had kids, I always thought it was strange when moms would get emotional about their kids reaching various mile stones. I've come to the realization that either it's normal to be an emotional mom or I'm strange just like all those ladies I used to judge. Yesterday when I was rocking Tyler before his nap, I got super teary-eyed. I can't stop thinking about the tiny little squirt that we brought home from the hospital. Okay...enough with the sappy. Needless to say, I love my little Tyler. When Tyler woke up yesterday morning, he ambled into my room still a little out of it. I wished him a happy birthday and he said excitedly, "Is my birthday right now?" We've been talking about it for so long, I guess he never really knew exactly when it was. For the rest of the day, Tyler was on full speed.

Bekah, Ellie and Averi drove up from Tulsa to spend the day with us. Ty and Ellie are such great little buddies. They had the best time playing at the park, feeding the ducks, running around the house, etc. Tyler even shared his "Lightning McQueen Balloon" with her which is the highest compliment you could receive from my three year old.

We really miss spending time with Bekah, Ellie and Averi and were super grateful that they made such a big effort to come out. It made Tyler's birthday extra special.

Lately Tyler has been obsessed with football which is funny because we don't watch it that much at our house. The other day we were in the car and randomly he said, "When we get home, I want to watch some football." I said that there wasn't a game on but we could watch something on the weekend. "But Mom! I WANT to watch it!" It's like he was born to live in Oklahoma.

Because of his football obsession, we got him a Bears Helmet and Jersey. My brother Garrett who's a Packers fan tried to teach him to say "Go Packers" but Tyler heard it as "Go Crackers" which doesn't really make the Packers sound cooler than the Bears.

Tyler is a big fan of his new gear and has worn it almost non-stop since. Doesn't he look like a stud? My cousin Janie and Aunt and Uncle Meg and Greg came over for dinner, cake and ice cream. The moment that Uncle Greg walked in the door, Tyler said, "You want to play football with me? Come on, we can go outside and play football. You want to play? Let's play!!" Obviously Greg indulged Tyler just like any great Uncle will. Having the family here made the day so wonderful for us and Tyler. I just feel so blessed that we have such a strong support system.

Don't you love how excited Tyler is about his football helmet cake? We gave him a bunch which, combined with all the other excitement, resulted in a pre-bed birthday melt down. Ah well, I guess that comes with the 3 year old territory. It was actually a little funny because when he finally started to calm down, he said, "Tomorrow it won't be my birthday but can I still play with my toys?"

Tyler has made my life so fun and fulfilled. I love that he sings at the top of his lungs and tries to memorize all the words to every song. I love that everyday he says, "Mom how's your day? Tell me about it." I love that he wants to run with me. I love that he loves sports. I love that he is friendly to everyone. I love the he's able to talk out his concerns and that he talks so much. I love that he eats pretty much anything I give him without complaining. I love that he looks exactly like Tom. Tyler is an awesome kid and I'm a lucky mom.

Thanks to all who helped make his birthday so special.