Behind The Glitter: Birthdays

http://instagram.com/p/nntQQXj7RV/
Dear Max Monster,

You turned three last week and once again I find myself trying to stay afloat in these waves of memories and emotions. Since I spend all my time either playing tag with you and your brother or writing on this blog, I’m afraid I haven’t been able to keep up with my personal journal much. So, even though this is a craft blog, I’m going to take a moment and talk about my life “behind the glitter.” Maybe one day you can read these posts and know just how much your mama loves you!

But back to the birthday boy…

And what a boy you are! You’ve taken to giving yourself dirt baths outside, have become quite the pro at peeing on trees, and can recite an impressive list of superheroes and their alter egos (with a slight lisp giving away your age). You are your older brother’s biggest fan and annoyance all rolled up in one tiny little package. On the bad days, I worry that neither one of you will survive each other (or me!) but on the good days…oh, those precious, magical moments when the stars align and the windows open just long enough for me to catch a glimpse of the lifelong friendship you two will have.

http://instagram.com/p/m1BGyBD7bh/

Just the other day, we overheard you telling Jack, “You go at school, me miss you.” Then, of course, you proceeded to try and take away one of his Lego mini-figures and when that didn’t work out, left a dental imprint on Jack’s arm detailed enough for any dentist to examine. If my relationship with my sisters is any indication, the next few years will be filled with giggles and explosions, hugs and pinches, love and anger but in the end, you’ll have a bond that transcends friendship and a love to last a lifetime.

http://instagram.com/p/nilxjFj7ZZ/

We did your first yearly interview last week (see Jack’s Yearly Interview and How To Add a QR Code) and you did awesome! Turns out, you are a huge fan of grapes and Max Steel, your favorite book is Wizard of Oz, you love Rattlesnakes (where did that come from?!), and your best friend is your cousin, Miles. One day you’ll understand just how lucky you are in the cousins department, you are a member of a special tribe of boys that will always be ready for a good time and will always have your back. (full interview)

http://instagram.com/p/kVLUpCj7VI/

My Sweet Baby Boy, I hope you someday understand the joy you (and your chubby cheeks) have brought to my life and to the lives of all who surround you. I will never forget you trying to do “Jumping Max” instead of Jumping Jacks, insisting to fall asleep with “Baby Tate” every night, and you crawling into our bed for early morning snuggles. Thank you for teaching me to slow down and enjoy these fleeting moments of your childhood. You are growing up so fast and I’m so proud of the amazing little boy you have become. Happy birthday, Max, we could just eat you up, we love you so!

Love,
Mama