Birthdays are bittersweet events - I’m glad to see him growing up and learning more and more, but sad to see my little baby becoming a little boy too. Lest I get caught up in being sad, here are some reasons why I’m glad he is growing up:

• He can tell me what he wants 95% of the time - no more screaming for hours and endless guessing only to have an “aha” moment 2 hours later….
• He can play by himself for short periods, giving me a bit of a break to actually eat or clean…
• He’s just a blast to do anything with - every mundane chore is hilariously amusing to him, and a trip to the grocery store can be the event of the week.
• He’s actually starting to sleep - some nights he will sleep from 10 or 11pm until 6 or 7am. I’d forgotten what that much sleep felt like…..
• He can help me clean - he hands me dishes to put away, gets a rag and cleans up his messes (when he feels like it), puts away his toys, loads the dryer and tries to put away the laundry.
• Crazy baby dancing!!
• He’s always saying or doing something to make me laugh.
• He can walk most anywhere now, I don’t have to lug him, my Starbucks, purse, diaper bag, etc. in and out everywhere.
• No more constant nursing - sippy cups and real food are mostly accepted now ;).

I’m sure there are more, he’s at such a fun age though and I’m enjoying every minute!