Growing Up

I was looking at Owen the other day and I turned to Eric and said "When did he get so big?" I swear since this fall he has grown about 4 inches ... which could be spot on since he jumped from a size 2T to a tight 3T or a comfortable 4T. This will be trouble for the summer months since NOTHING is going to fit him and then in the fall when he will need a whole new wardrobe. He is growing like a little weed and in a blink of an eye he has become a "big boy" as he likes to tell me on a regular bases. Don't get me wrong, being a big boy has brought about being potty trained which has been great and lots of independence and his language skills are wonderful and so clear, but it does make me a tiny bit sad when I look at him and see how fast time really is flying. I still cherish the little moments when I realize he is still little -- like today when he was all bundled up to get in the car and he looked so little to me I caught myself smiling reflecting on my little boy.

The picture on the left is from last april -- I cannot WAIT for warmer weather, the picture on the right was taken today 

Now three has not been easy so far. The tantrums that he has thrown are some out of a horror movie and of course happen while we are out in public. The total humiliation and embarrassment that flash across my face as my son is throwing a smack down fight in the middle of target must be a sight to see and I am sure specters walk by thinking -- wow she really can't control her kid. But you know what? I am doing my very best and to be the best parent sometimes you can't back down to the demands of a three year old -- they have to learn that it is not acceptable to act this way -- especially in public so its tough love and let people judge. He is safe and after all is said and done and after he has calmed down he does get a hug, but man three is going to be tough. But then their are some very sweet moments like when he just randomly comes over to give me or Lexi a hug, or when he gives me a kiss he grabs my face and pulls me right in and sometimes he does it again because he tells me the first one wasn't good -- I have a feeling we are going to be in trouble once he becomes a teenager. Or the times when he is unprompted and adds, please and thank you to his requests. It is in those moments I tell myself, we must be doing something right -- but no one said it would be easy.

The picture on the left is Owen from last April, the one on the right is his first time skiing this past February 

On another growing up note, Owen will officially be attending preschool in the fall! The school deposited our check, so we are taking that as the official sign that he has been accepted and we think he is really going to love it. He will be going into the 4 year old class and will be attending 4 half days a week. I only wanted him to go three days, but this was the program that was offered at our top pick so we will see how it goes. He talks about going to school and seeing how independent he is hopefully it will agree with him.

Its true what they say that they grow up too fast, but what a fascinating journey it is to witness and be a part of. I am so lucky to have this special time with Owen, even on the really, really, really hard days. Love you O-Man!