Ethan-monster is 3

As cliche as it is, I'm going to go ahead and say it, just like every mother does when her child grows another year older...I can't quite believe my Ethan is 3.

The time has flown by, and yet, there were (many) days where each minute seemed to last forever (he could have single-handedly been the reason behind the coining of the term "terrible twos" I kid you not).

Regardless, Ethan is an AMAZING child. He has made us laugh from day one with his boistrous and charismatic personality. His eyes are as bright as the sun and his heart is bigger than the world. And as warm and beautiful as he is on the inside, he is just as handsome on the outside. (I know, another "mom cliche"). But really, people stop me dead in my tracks at the grocery store, Target, the park and tell me what a beautiful child he is.

He can make my heart melt with his leg squeezes and "Mommy you're beautiful" comments at just the right times.

He can also make me want to pull my hair out strand by strand.

Ah the complexities of raising a toddler.

More often than not however, Ethan blows me away with his maturity. His sensitivity. His thoughtfulness and ability to sympathize. His creativity. His quick-witted nature. His thought processes. His energy. His positivity. His sense of adventure. His outgoingness. His smarts.

Each day the little chubby dimples at the top of his fingers that are the trademark of every baby slowly fade away as he grows. I find myself looking at his face and trying to see the baby pictures, and even though it wasn't too long ago, it is increasingly difficult to remember him that way. My baby.

I love this little boy more than I ever imagined possible. I'm so very lucky to be his mommy.

Every year on his birthday, Ethan will be excited to see his friends and family, to have a party, to get presents to celebrate another year. Little does he know that it will always be a celebration for me as well, for on that same day however many years ago, I received one of the greatest gifts of my life. Him.

(PS - Pay no attention to the HORRIBLE cake decorating...yes, it is supposed to be a train. I know, you don't have to say it. Anna, I soooo needed your skills.)