The Big Day

I'm not sure how it's possible, but I think today may have topped yesterday in greatness! Josiah and I started the day with a sweet little snuggle in his bed, just chatting about this and that. After a few minutes, I asked if he remembered what day it was. In a split second everything launched into high gear as he, with complete delight, realized that yes – finally – today he is three!!

He got to open his first present at breakfast, a train of course. :) Then it was off to church with Jesse, Jim, Tillie, Jaron, and Bryn. I stayed back to take it easy and leisurely get dinner and party things together.

Our little family party was everything he wanted, as far as we can tell. He loved ripping into his presents, loved the decorations (including a Thomas-style flag bunting I sewed up for the occasion), gobbled up his meal, and – phew! – was absolutely delighted with his cake. (He's been asking for a train cake for at least two months, describing in minute detail how it needs to have "buffers, a wheel bar, a driver, portholes, a bell and whistle..." and so on and so on. In addition to that being beyond my skill level, this week hasn't been the best for me with this baby so close to coming, so we crossed our fingers that a basic train would suffice. Bryn – see previous post – was instrumental in helping pull it all together last night. The crushed Oreos in the cargo car for coal was her idea!)

Thanks to everyone for the gifts. He's already been busy making his new puzzles, reading new stories, finger painting, and playing with trains. Before his nap this afternoon, Josiah asked Jesse, "When I wake up, will I still be three?" Upon learning that yes, three is here to stay, he immediately began discussing plans for turning four (describing his next train cake, naturally!). He also has been asking if Baby Will is coming today, as we've been saying to him since February that the baby will come when he's three. :) I was obviously on my feet too much yesterday and this morning as the last several hours have seen me completely out of commission with more Braxton-Hicks contractions and a lot of cramping. So...we *hope* Will isn't coming quite yet! He's still about a month before his due date, and about three weeks before his scheduled c-section. It's been a lovely day, but one birthday on September 13th is quite happily enough for our little family!! :)