D is Three

While I am convinced that we had Declan three days ago, the calendar tells me that it was three years (and a week ... blogging is hard) ago. Three is a tricky age around here. At three, you join the ranks of the big kids. Dec is a big fan of all the privileges that come with being a big kid ... hello two-wheel scooter, being able to bike on the road, and real toothpaste. He is not such a big fan of being expected to bring his dishes to the sink, drink all his milk, and put on his own shoes.

The dichotomy between big and little is evident every day. When he gets into his car seat, he wants to "do myself" with the buckle. But at night, he still clutches his little mimi. He is getting pretty good at taking his clothes off and getting dressed himself, but he still wants me to carry him around like a baby. Mike was gone tonight, so we tested out Daddy's chair instead of the booster and I see a switch to a regular table chair in the near future! This fall, Declan will be going to a preschool program to give him more of a peer group of friends and a bit more structure around learning. He will also be working on potty training - whether he likes it or not (he doesn't).

Declan remains the funny, charismatic dude he's always been. He's also finding his voice and his willfulness. We are working on smoothing the edges of that independence, while also celebrating his voice and opinions. He continues to delight in music, books, Hot Wheels, and sports. He is the family clown and loves nothing more than to make us laugh. He also takes pride in contributing to the running of the family - and is generally willing to lend a hand when needed.  He's our early riser, our snuggler, and our bottomless pit.

We headed in for his annual well check late last week. He was 36.25 inches tall (22%) and 26 lbs 14 oz (6%). That six percentile weight may be why he's our bottomless pit.

And finally, here are the answers to his birthday questions:

Favorite color: Red

Favorite friend: Jonah 

Favorite show: Paw Patrol 

Favorite book: Good night, Good night, Construction Site

Favorite food: Mac and cheese 

Favorite thing to do: Play games

Be when you grow up: A Daddy