Now We Are Three

After having a present "rehearsal" at Christmas, Max was very much into the spirit of things when his birthday rolled around. I don’t think he entirely understands the whole concept, but he was very interested in the idea of a day that revolved around "more presents," "more Papa," and a "chocolate Elmo cake." When he woke up, I sang him "Happy Birthday," got him dressed, and took him downstairs to make him his favorite breakfast (pancakes!). After a morning of play time (and some extra video time at the birthday boy's request), we struggled to get Max and Molly down for a nap before the party guests arrived.

For lack of a better theme (and because we knew Max would approve), we decided to have an Elmo birthday shindig. In honor of the occasion, I downloaded an Elmo "album" from iTunes, so the birthday boy could enjoy "more Elmo song" (Max likes his "moosic," as he calls it). Max had an Elmo-themed outfit (courtesy of Grandma and Grandpa), Elmo party hats, Elmo plates, and the all-important chocolate Elmo cake. He was very excited about his party, since it involved seeing "Papa," "more Papa," aunts, uncles, and friends. He also had spotted the stack of presents in the library and wanted to "open presents more."

Max loved all the company and the attention. He spent half the party chatting up his guests and the other half running around with his little friend, shrieking in delight while pushing the corn popper toy. I didn't expect him to wear his Elmo party hat (since he normally hates hates), but he surprised me by being totally enthused about the hat and putting it back on himself when it started to slide off. Max enjoyed the pizza we had for dinner and made short work of opening his presents. Mama and Daddy got him some books ("Hurry, Hurry" and "In the Night Kitchen"), his very own "guitaro" (toy guitar), and a Word Whammer. He also got a remote-controlled backhoe, his very own digital watch (so hopefully he'll stop trying to steal everyone else's watch), a set of Lincoln Logs, an alphabet foam puzzle mat, and some more great books. Between Christmas and his birthday, Max sure isn't hurting for presents this week!

After the present chaos was under control, it was time for cake. Max, with some prompting, requested a "chocolate Elmo cake," so that's what Mama made! He was very pleased and proud to sit up in his chair and be the center of attention while he blew out his candles and had everyone sing "Happy Birthday" to him. He really liked his cake -- when he first saw it he started squealing, "Look! It's Elmo! Wow!" He enjoyed eating it as well, although Molly really enjoyed her cake and ice cream (she ended up wearing rather a lot of it).

Needless to say, after such an exciting day, Max didn't have any problem falling asleep! I can't believe my little baby is already three. Wow, next year he'll be a actual preschooler -- imagine that!