Growing Up

I swear this kid is growing up way too fast. Lately, we can almost see him growing if we stare at him long enough. And he's not only getting taller, he's getting smarter and more independent every day! It's truly amazing.

And what do big boys need??? Tattoos of course! Nicholas got his first tattoo last week - and he wanted it to be just like Daddy's. Oh boy...

I think we are really on the verge of becoming potty trained too. Truthfully, I think he's been ready for months... but the carpets in the house aren't! Now that the weather is warmer and we can get outside, we can "go for it" with the undies and not have to worry about hauling out the steam cleaner every time he has an accident! Last week, he kept underwear on all afternoon and stayed dry. We put the potty chair in the woods (at his request). Well, actually he said, "Me want to pee on the tree." So... we compromised. I went back and forth about whether or not to post any pictures, but what the heck. He can yell at me for embarrassing him when he's older...

And now for the biggest news of all - Nicholas read his first book to us the other night! OK, he wasn't actually reading, but as an elementary school teacher, I have sat across from countless parents insisting that memorization of text is step one in the reading process. So... he was reading. He read Brown Bear Brown Bear cover to cover the other night, and it was without a doubt the cutest thing I've ever heard in my life!! I HAVE to catch that on video somehow.

Well, tomorrow is Mother's Day - my high holy day, really. Being a Mom has changed everything and made me the happiest, proudest, most exhausted person on the planet. Nicholas is such a joy, and I am so thankful for all that he has brought to my life. I sometimes go back and read the journal I kept all of those years that I was waiting for him. I am so lucky that my prayers were heard and answered, and I was given Nicholas, my little angel.

Happy Mother's Day to all!