Tree!

Today is my baby boy's big day.

The Big 3.

Or "tree" as he says.

Here's my baby when he was just a few days old:

Right around one year old:

And here he is at two (this is before I could break down and cut off all of his white-blond, curly locks. Which, by the way, never did grow back):

We are going to spend the day celebrating Porter's little life; giving presents, eating his favorite food, partying at Chuck E. Cheese, but this early morning, while everything is quiet, I am having my own little moment...

I am remembering how hard I had to work for you, my little man. I went into pre-term labor at 25 weeks, and had to spend three long months lying down, "relaxing", trying to keep you in.

My water broke at 34 weeks, much too early for a baby to come out (obviously). I then had to lay in a hospital bed, while the monsoons raged outside the window, being poked and proded, tested and injected with steroids and any number of different things. I was earning you.

The nurses and doctor warned me that white male babies that are born early usually are pretty weak. Their lungs aren't developed, so this little man will probably be sent directly to the NICU.

But not you, Porter Pot. You came out pink and screaming.

It took Dad and I two days to decide on a name.

You were very nearly named Cory Porter (after your Papa).

Now here we are, three years later, and you are still my sunshine, my miracle. Bringing smiles and laughter where ever you go.

You love monster trucks, motorcycles, Batman, Hot Wheels, playing "na-na" (being chased), making your sisters (and your mom) scream, feeding the fishies, dogs (namely Snickers), jumping off of stuff, eating anything with sugar in it, hot dogs, and playing outside.

Oh, and you adore your Daddy.

So today while we party down, and you tease your sisters and play skee ball, I am going to be marveling you. Pondering how it is possible that I am good enough to be your Mommy. Wondering about the kind of man your going to grow to be.

Oh, my little man, you are so loved.

I will also be wondering when you are going to stop screaming, "I'm baby!" everytime I try to get you to use the potty and ditch the diapers...