Celebrate good times--come on!

Can it really be true? Little B is now an official 3 year old...and all I can say is "wow". As any parent can attest, it seems like a lot longer than 3 years (because it's like you've known them forever) and then again, it feels like just a few months ago we were in the hospital laboring away. I just adore this little miracle boy...full of silliness, cuddles (not as a baby, he's definitely grown into them!) and athletic prowress. We had an awesome birthday celebration last weekend, kicking off with the little guy and myself staying home together on the big day (Friday). We hung out, played with playdoh, watched Scooby Doo (of course!), had lunch with dad, took a nap together (complete with a smile and kiss from him when he woke up--melt!). It was really perfect. Then later, dad and Kdee came home from work/school and we ventured out to a big, swanky dinner at...Burger King! You know, that indoor playground is always a hit with the 3 year olds. Then it was time for ice cream, cake (just the preliminary version!) and presents galore. The big gift was the classic "Big Wheel"...little B might have to watch out--I always wanted one, and I might try to squeeze this adult body onto that child sized toy! I got a kick out of watching ribB and little B assemble it--especially since little B was in his underwear with a drill in hand. He's all boy!

The fun continued throughout the weekend with dinner out with grandparents on Saturday night (and patience during the day as mom/dad cleaned and prepped the house!), swimming and then the "Scooby Doo" themed blow-out on Sunday. Little B was all excited and had a blast with our immediate families (including Ann & Kevin!) as we whooped it up. He got a lot of awesome gifts and we are so grateful for the...new entertainment! I even attempted a "Mystery Machine" birthday cake and it was good enough for a 3 year old party!

Other fun we've been having lately--a "girls night out" for Kdee and me complete with dinner and a haircut for her (have I mentioned that she can eat an entire foot long sub from Subway? It's slightly disturbing to think about where all of that would go).

Little B is pretty much potty trained. His only "accident" lately at daycare was due to him falling off of the toilet and wetting himself. This still gives me the giggles. He also almost did this at home recently (with ribB flying out of the bathroom holding his mouth so he wouldn't laugh in front of little B)...turns out when a big boy leans forward to adjust himself on the Diego potty seat, gravity can keep the body moving forward and almost off of the toilet.

ribB had a fun boys weekend away at the end of January with our college friends--many of whom return from out-of-state for the thrills and spills. The guys play cards Friday night, then take a rented bus to Madison for the UW vs UofM hockey game (with scheduled stops along the way)...and come home in the wee hours. I would be remiss to not mention that libations are enjoyed to the fullest throughout the weekend, although the guys do seem to be getting older and try to slow them down on Friday so that can make it through the activities of Saturday.

It's February and I'm pumping up for my annual Oscars party (writer's strike is over! woo hoo, the show will go on!!!) and the Foo Fighter concert at the end of the month (on the heels of their 2 grammy wins--yes!). It doesn't get much better than that!
In preparation for the Oscars, I've been seeing nominated movies like crazy lately...and I just have to say...No Country For Old Men, which is winning lots of other awards, really annoyed me (and ribB who also got to see it with me). I'm not sure it's worth the accolades, but who am I to say this?! Juno is still my favorite of the nominees, much to my surprise. Another issue going on with the nominees this year is the fact that the movies really don't highlight any food or reference any food...this is a problem for my dinner menu for the party--I base it on the Best Picture nominees (so, there's a movie reference for beverage, appetizer, main dish, side dish and dessert...think "Cold Mountain Dew" or "About Schmidt Beer".) I'm going to need to be creative, but I'm feeling up to the task...

We've had some fun playdates lately--with Kirstin, Nathan and Carly. Little B is gearing up for a new era of big boy playdates, as we're working on scheduling one with his best daycare buddy, Brennan. Everyone is growing up too fast!!!

Until next time...may you all be showered with love on Valentine's Day!

Pics to enjoy: Little B with gifts, helping assemble his big wheel, the birthday cake, little B climbing on top of a gift to open it and a fun sledding picture (by the way, I almost got ran over trying to take this picture--it was pretty funny).