"Freee"

Today my baby, (who would rather stay a baby) turned "Freeee"!  (That's three for those of you who don't speak toddler.)  Where do I begin?  Edward is emotional. Edward is lovable.  He is kind, he is honest, he is caring, compassionate, silly, wild, a show off, a complete crazy, a baby, and so sweet when he wants to be.  He demands attention constantly.  I thought that all kids were like Edward until Nolen came along and I learned that Edward really does DEMAND attention. 
He loves pasta, the color red, cars, trucks, planes, trains, and anything with wheels.  He got a strider bike for his birthday and I think he really is in love.  He sleeps so well!  I think the months and months of agony we suffered through with him have paid off in the last year.  He stays in bed until 6 AM then comes and climbs in bed with me while I wait for Nolen to wake up.  (That is unless Nolen and I are already awake.)  Edward loves water.  He is gearing up for private swim lessons to start next week.  Edward loves to eat, but mostly sweet stuff like Popsicles and chocolate.  He is not potty trained; however that is mostly my fault because I think it might be harder for me if I have to constantly remind him to use the potty. 
Edward loves to sing.  He sings "Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Ti Do" constantly and asks me to sing "The Wheels on the bus" all the time.  He likes to play the piano, the kazoo, and the harmonica.  He does not; however, like to hear me sing Opera or anything else that is not a silly song for that matter.  He tells me the moment I start singing, "NOT THAT SONG!"  I just keep singing hoping he will learn to like "THAT SONG" because I have to learn it. 
Edward loves to swing on the swings and be outside.  What kids doesn't?  He would spend all day at the park if it wasn't so cold here.  Edward loves his little brother, Nolen, most of the time.  He doesn't mind sharing food or toys unless it happens to be a brand new toy, then he will not let anyone near it.  Edward is usually the best kid in nursery and has never had any trouble with me dropping him off.  Let me say that again, Edward rushes me out the door so that he can play with his friends.  He has not ever cried when I have left him.  Not sure if I should worry about that or not.  Edward loves to color, especially if I color cars and trucks with him.
Edward's favorite movie, at this very moment, is Kung Foo Panda, and he was really in to Winnie the Pooh not too long ago.  Amazing how fast kids change from one love to another.  Edward loves his Dad.  He loves to go ridding in "daddy's jeep" and going to Explora with just Dad.  He would spend all day with his Dad if he could. 
Edward now spends less time in time out and more time saying, "sorry".  He knows exactly what he wants and he will do nearly anything to get it.  He is very picky.  He would eat, sleep, play, and live in his basket ball pajamas if I allowed it.  I am constantly doing laundry so that he can wear them.  He wants to pick out all of his own clothes and will only wear his crocks unless I force him to wear his tennis shoes. 
Edward is the little boy who can push me over the edge with his very strong willed, "NO!"  I can only hear that word so many times in one day before I want to jump off a bridge.  I have told Edward it is more polite to say, "No, Thank you" but he rarely says it.  Maybe that one will sink in someday.  He is highly energetic and if he could, he would bounce off all the walls.  He wants Stephen to take him outside and spin him all day every day.  He loves to jump.  He loves to jump holding my hands so that I can toss him high in the air. 
Edward is amazing.  He is creative and smart and can play make believe all by himself for hours.  He can count to 20 and knows all of his letters and most of the sounds.  We have been working on recognizing sight words like "Car" and "Mommy".  So far, he is doing great.  I have even taught him 1+1=2.  If I had the time, Edward would sit with me for hours learning things.  He loves to learn.  I wish I had his enthusiasm for learning. 
I suppose I could go on and on and on, but I think you get the point.  Edward is my strong willed three year old who is full of life and love.  He is the little boy who changed my life and took away all my selfishness.  He has taught me to love and to be more patient and to understand children.  He is so much like me that it scares me.  He can even match my pitch and sing songs a lot like me.  I just love this little bundle of craziness.  I am so blessed to have sweet little boys in my life.  Heavenly Father truly knows me and what I can and can't handle.  I find myself praying each day for patience and understanding.  He has given me the greatest blessings and challenges all with in two little people.  I love them so much and I love being a part of their lives.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Edward!