Highway to the Baby Zone: Heading into 3!!

OH CRAP! I have an almost THREE year old! I don't know how that is possible. I swear he was just born, my little baby was just laying in my arms and couldn't walk, talk, crawl, etc. It all went by in a flash, but yet it feels like he has always been here. It's madness, I tell ya!

He has continued to grow and amaze us these last few months. His sentences are getting longer and more complex, he is more empathetic, understands feelings, and just has so much to say about everything! I'm a bit nervous to be approaching the "terrible 3's", but I am crossing my fingers that the "terrible 2's" were the worst part of the 2nd and 3rd years. It hasn't even been that bad....well, maybe I've already forgotten the most challenging times. Yes, we've dealt with plenty of tantrums, he has tested the boundaries beyond belief and he is very difficult at times. But he is still my baby and in my eyes; perfect!

As of now, he is still in his crib (it's amazing, never once has he tried to get out even though I know he is fully capable to), so why rush out of a good thing? I am a bit terrified to put him in a big boy bed and give him the ability to get out as he pleases and fight me at bedtime. But yet I have already purchased his "big boy" bedding and look forward to seeing him in his big boy room. He also still gets his paci ("pappi") at night and nap time....I know, I know....we will break him of it soon, hopefully. Maybe when he switches to a big boy bed. It's just been the only lovie he's ever had and it makes him comfortable and secure. And I also feel like it prevents him from sucking his thumb which is another habit that scares me (because I had that habit as a child myself). The last little bit of "baby" in him are the diapers. I swear this kid will NEVER get potty trained. He has no problem sitting on the potty, and sometimes even wants to....but he has yet to actually GO to the bathroom on the potty so this has me worried. They are working with the kids at daycare, but until we can hole up and dedicate an entire weekend to being at home and potty training, I have a feeling we are going nowhere fast. I also want to wait until he shows a bit more interest. He still won't tell us when he has to go or wants to go, so I fear potty training would fail miserably at this moment. Hopefully soon! Diapers are one part of the baby phase that I am ready to ditch! Even though I know this means a lot more work for Mom and Dad.

Halloween was last weekend and we had a fun filled week. Parties galore and a trip to Oklahoma to see Grandma and Papa and celebrate their birthdays. Ronan had a blast this year for Halloween and there was definitely a huge difference from last year being almost 2 and this year being almost 3. It's so fun to see him excited and understand holidays a bit more and it makes me really look forward to Christmas this year - well, and his birthday! It's going to be a busy few weeks!

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to enjoy my afternoon with my baby who just grabbed my face, gave me a big kiss on the lips and said "Mommy, you are so cray cray"!! Oh lord, let's add this to the list of new things I've never heard him say.....and so it begins!! He slays me. :)

Time to decorate his first pumpkin!