A Letter to Evan on His 3rd Birthday

Dear Evan,

How can it be? You're already three? Everyone tells new moms and dads that it speeds up, and I expected a hundred million changes between this day:



and this one:



What I didn't know was just how many of those changes would occur this past year. I thought the differences from age two to age three would be less obvious, more subtle, not so knock-the-wind-out-of-my-sails surprising. While I still hang on to some of the cute baby phrases and words you still have, like the way yellow is 'lallow,' I am also thrilled at how much you have grown since turning two.



But know how very small you still are.



When you were two, you held on a little tighter. Now you are three, and you explore.



When you were two, you rarely sat still unless you were sleeping. Now that you're three, you stop and think. You are so very, very smart, Evan.



You pretend ALL the time. It's your favorite game. You can tell the most amazing stories too - about your friends at school, or kangaroos, or driving cars and trains.



You love to sing, and sometimes make up your own words to the songs. When you were two, you would request "ABCD" on the radio in the car. Now that you're three, the list of songs you like and request has gotten much longer. I never know if you'll ask for One Short Day (from Wicked, which makes your Nonny and Poppy so, so proud) or the Cuckoo Song from The Sound of Music. And, of course, your version of the latest pop sensation.

Just when I thought it couldn't get louder than a two-year-old singing or roaring like a lion, you turned three.



Between two and three, heaven help me, you discovered candy and chocolate. You love cake, but your all-time favorite treat is Smarties. I always have Smarties in my purse "for emergencies." Like skinned knees...



And at two, you ran from my camera whenever I got it out. But at three? Kid, you make the camera smile.











You have such a good heart, Evan. At three, you remember (most of the time) to say "please" and "thank you." I've seen you offer to share, even when you haven't been asked. You love so easily. I am blessed to be your mommy.

I love you so much. Happy Birthday, Evan Henry.



XOXO,

Mommy

The Wild Animal Sanctuary

On my last full day in Colorado, Alicia suggested we visit a place about an hour outside of Denver called The Wild Animal Sanctuary. They rescue large carnivores from often very, very bad conditions. Like Elsa and Yuma, African lions starving to death in a Mexican circus. When Mexican authorities discovered them, they also were surprised to find their small, nearly lifeless cub, Gala. All are now thriving at the Sanctuary. There are dozens of other stories as sad as theirs, but these are the lucky ones who were rescued. It breaks my heart to know their stories, but I'm so very thankful places like this exist.

Check out their site, visit, donate, tell others!

We were there mid-day, so most of the cats were doing what cats do at that time of day - sleeping! But it was amazing how quickly they woke up when the caretakers brought out their food!









Going in for a good ear scratch!



Then a nose lick.



And I know this is a repeat, but did I mention how windy it was there? Look at those flags!

Mommy's Time Out

Last month I went to Denver to visit my dear friend, Alicia. This was my first trip away, over a weekend and solely for fun. Evan turns three this month - it was time. I missed my boys, but I also soaked up the simple 'extravagances' of living single - sleeping in, drinking hot coffee, going out at night without pre-planning! Ahhh. And, of course, I took loads of pictures.







Yeah, this place just isn't pretty enough.









Thanks Alicia, James and pups for an awesome weekend!



Up Next: Animal Sanctuary pics - way too many for this post!

Being Easter People

Easter is my favorite holiday of the year. It's Spring and everything is new and joyful (even when it's pouring rain). I'm not just saying that as the wife of a Seminarian. I say I love Easter because I do, independent of whatever label I am given. There is the faith aspect of it, but I also love the secular fun of Easter too. If you've never read David Sedaris' explanation of Easter in France, complete with flying bells from Rome delivering candy, you're missing out. In fact, go out, buy "Me Talk Pretty One Day," thank me later.





And what would Easter be without my little boy all dressed up in a jon-jon? Not nearly as cute, that's what.



I'm just gonna' plop down right here in the middle of the floor, while you goons go looking for what the Easter bunny, or the flying French bell, left behind. Suckers.







The Easter bunny brought Evan a broom. It's what he wanted. Definitely my kid.



Then things went awry and Evan got locked up. I never actually saw a person get grabbed by the collar like they do in the movies, until this moment.

Alright, Grandpa, let's negotiate.




Then my little con man found a fun new hiding place.



Busted, Grandma!





Happy Easter!

Boys x 3

For a long time, my nephew Landon was the only grandchild in the family. Oh man, did things change after he was born. Holidays were brighter. Laughter was contagious. Tears were almost always joyful. Now there are two MORE boys in the family - Evan, and Landon's little brother, Liam. It's three times the laughter and tears. And, much, much less sleep in general.

We corralled the cousins together last month when the weather finally got warmer. They played. Wine was opened. All were happy.



So much for his aversion to bare feet in the grass.









It was Evan's first time playing in sand, with a little help from Landon.

Goodbyes

I have so much catching up to do. I had hoped that being in Phoenix last week would give me time to do some editing and blogging, but when I wasn't working I was entirely too "busy" enjoying the gorgeous sunshine and low/no humidity. I didn't think I had *that* much to catch up on, but I skipped over some bigger blog posts and now it's time to catch up.

Last month, our group of parenting friends had to say goodbye to one lovely family. Neal and family are moving away so he can start his own periodontal practice. So we got together one last time for a BBQ. I ran around taking pictures of the kids, who provided no shortage of entertainment. Best of luck S family - we're going to miss you!











I would so love to know what those two were discussing at the end of the table. So serious!