Birthday Bash Part 2

Opening his presents:

Part of the pinata made a fine birthday hat:

Mercedes checking out the water balloons.

Maggie and Lilly:

Slippin'-n-slidin':

Here's the birthday boy in his hat.

Joshua loved wearing his train conductor hat through most of the party. To transition from one activity to the other, Jon Mark had Joshua be the front of the train and everyone else hooked onto him. He thought that was neat. It was nice having my parents in town because we needed the extra hands. Jon Mark was the brawn, I was the brains (I was the enthusiastic ring leader and he was there to help out with all the labor), my mom was the camera man, and my dad was there to hold Luke. Plus, when it came time to clean up, it went SO much faster than when I had to clean up after Mercedes' party.

I can't believe how fast time flies when there are little ones to be raised. I know it's rather cliche, but it seems like yesterday when I became a mother for the first time. I remember distinctly what that felt like. I was scared and happy. I was excited to meet my little boy. He was more perfect than I imagined and I remember feeling very excited when I noticed that he had super long eyelashes, since I don't pride myself on my own. I also remember his huge lips. I marveled over every tiny feature. I didn't think it was gross to pick the boogers out of his nose and it didn't completely disgust me when I got peed on for the first time. He was my baby boy and I loved him. And, I love him even more today.

I love that he lets me cuddle with him still. I love how he likes it when I tell him stories. He may be bigger, but he's still my little Joshua Bug and I adore him.

Today we went to check out his preschool and meet his teacher. I think I am going to be one of "those" parents. I can already feel the tears forming in my eyes as I type this. I love having him home with me all day long, but I do think preschool will be good for him. However, I about jumped for joy when I found out that he'd miss the kindergarten cut off next year! Yipee! I was definitly NOT ready to send him away for all-day kindergarten and especially in Cleveland! That would have been too much for me I think.

So, again I say, "happy birthday"! I love you, Joshua!