Three!

It's hard to believe that three years have already passed since this wonderful child came into our lives ... and then on the other hand, it feels like he's been with us forever. Although we had his birthday party this past weekend, today was his school celebration, which was a very big deal. They make it so special - they all sat in a circle, turned out the lights, and Andy took a globe and walked around a candle representing the sun three times representing his three years on earth. During each rotation around the sun, the teacher read a few things about that year in Andy's life. Then they all sang happy birthday, he blew out the candle, and the kids raised their hands if they wanted to say something nice about the Andy (lots of "I like to play with you," "thanks for the cookies," and one "you're cute" (natch!)). The kids obviously love that it's a quiet, symbolic ceremony so it feels like a big deal. Plus there's the singing and eating of treats! Of course, since I only remembered that I needed to get treats together last night, we brought OFC sugar cookies that I bought at the store late last night and frosted, then cut down with smaller cookie cutters so the kids wouldn't be jumping off the walls all afternoon and the teachers wouldn't kill me. They looked home made, but when they asked me if there were peanuts in them and I said "they were made in machinery that also processes eggs, soy, peanuts and other nuts," I think that gave it away!!!

Eric reads about Andy's three years while Andy walks around the "sun" candle.

Afterwards, Andy gets a big sticker and birthday stamps on his hands.

Here's the birthday song and Andy blowing out the candle:

After school/work, we took Andy to dinner for his family birthday. He got a froofy drink with an umbrella and a cherry, and of course dessert -- a dense chocolate and white chocolate decadence -- which he ate completely, but for a couple of small bites for the adults!

Meanwhile, Sylvia's teeth are coming in, and she wants to chomp on everything, including Nonna's sweater.

Here's a fun picture of Andy at about 18 months. It's so fun to look back.