Three Years Old Already?

Tobin turned three last weekend and I feel a little overwhelmed. I can't believe he's three! Where did my two year old go? It seems like this last year flew by faster than ever. Some days I wish I could just stop him from growing up because I enjoy the stage he's in SO much. Other days, I can't wait to see what's around the corner for his precious mind, personality, sense of humor, etc. Here's a little bit about my little guy at his three year mark:

• His imagination is incredible. On most of our errand outings, we have an imaginary friend join us. It's either someone he's made up or a character from a book he's enjoying at the time. He makes sure his friend is buckled safely in the car, that they keep up with us in the stores, and that they share his snacks. It makes things a little slower than I like at times but most of the time, I just smile and enjoy seeing his creativity bloom.
  
• His brain is a sponge...just like his daddy. He'll read a book, play a game, watch a show, or learn something new and remember it forever. He's often reminding me that we've already borrowed a certain book from the library, he'll sing a song from a Sesame Street episode he saw weeks ago, or say a ridiculously long four-syllable word he hasn't heard but a few times! It's amazing what he remembers.
  
• His favorite things to do are read books, sing, play with cars, jump on the bed, copy anything that Matt does, eat, help me with chores, take care of his imaginary friends, act out Veggie Tales movies, and get dragons and dinosaurs out of the backyard (there is a pretend cage that he puts them into).
  
• He is a performer. He loves to sing songs...either making up his own or singing the ones he knows by heart...it doesn't matter as long as he can belt it out. He also loves to tell jokes. If I don't laugh at a joke right away, I am quickly reminded to do so with a firm "Laugh, mommy."
  
• His very favorite foods right now are peanut butter and honey sandwiches, grapes, pomegranates, fish, and M&M ice cream from Beth Marie's.
  
• Most importantly, he has a very tender heart. If I sneeze or cough or need to rest for a moment, he'll come up to me and ask "are you feeling okay today, mommy?" If one of his friends falls down, he'll go to them, ask if they're alright, and help them back up. He's already taking care of his little brother or little sister. He understands that the baby will come when it gets big enough and strong enough. He is constantly reminding me that the baby needs more food and that my belly needs to get bigger so that the baby will come!

Here are some pictures of his third birthday party. It was a fishing party and I think he and his friends had a blast...despite the cold and windy November weather.