Today, his actual birthday, was all about de-party decorating the house, and getting out all the Christmas stuff.  We worked on some Christmas presents in the morning, and then got out the tree.  Jakzen was a speed decorator, but Maguire was patient.  Very patient.  Well, he kinda had to be — he would get a decoration, hang it on the tree, it would fall to the floor, he’d say ‘uh oh’, pick it up, and try again.  Repeat.  Repeat again.  And again.  But he was so proud of how it looked when it was finished…and although our tree may be a little bottom-heavy this year, it’s our best tree yet.

To cap off our special day, we had our very first Family Movie Night.  Early tub, everyone in their jammies, popcorn, and “The Grinch”.  Half-way thru the movie, Maguire switched spots with his brother and snuggled in right beside me.  I didn’t think he would make it all the way thru the movie, but he just sat and snuggled.  And I totally got all nostalgic as the movie was ending.  Two years ago tonite, Maguire and I were doing the same thing — snuggling.  We were just getting to know each other back then — we’d only been together for a few hours.  And now two years later, I can’t imagine our lives without this amazing little dude.

Maguire, you are funny, tough, rough, sweet, and daring.  You pick on your big brother, but look up to him like no one else.  Although initially shy with new places and faces, you warm quickly and you are always eager to try new things.  You like to eat.  A lot.  And will try most anything — if you have dip.  And your giggle, well, let’s just say it might be my favourite thing.

See?  I know so much more about you now than I did 2 years ago.  But I couldn’t be happier that 2 years later, you are still my little snuggler.  Yes, there was more tickling, wiggling and definitely more popcorn tonite then there was back then…but I counted, and there were exactly the same amount of smooches.  Lots.  So although I’m feeling a bit sad tonite that my baby isn’t much of a baby anymore, I am excited that our first family movie night was a success.  And what’s even better two years later?  Tonite, all those smooches were smooched right back.  Happy birthday, sweet boy.

1. Your dancing.  You have some sweet moves, little man, but I do believe my fave is a new one where you get real low and shake your bottom and look to the sky with a very concentrated face.  Your dancing is serious business.
2. You were listening to a favourite song of yours last night — “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas — while you were busy sticking some stickers, seemingly paying no attention to the song.  But then you stopped, looked up, and sang “Mazel Tov” at the exact right spot…and went right back to your stickers.
3. Your flair for the dramatic.  When something doesn’t quite go your way, your exasperated “Oh dear!”, followed by a theatrical flop on the couch cracks me up.

Three things you do that drive me crazy:

1. When you attack your brother.  He’s getting quite close to being able to hold his own against you, but when you steamroll him when he’s least expecting it, the 2 of you need a referee to break it up.
2. When you say the bad word(s) that we (read: Me) accidentally “taught” you.  Bad mommy. 
3. I asked your dad what drives him crazy — he said “everything”.  But he was joking.  Sort of.  I think what makes him most crazy is when you bite your nails.

Three things you do that leave me in awe:

1. How you learn and absorb everything at the speed of light.
2. Your ability to use every gadget, toy and gizmo within minutes.  And your incredible need to know how they work so you can work ‘em all by yourself.
3. Your memory.  Wowzers.  You remember places we’ve been just once.  People you saw just once.  And (eeps!) things we say to you…just once.  You reminded me last night that you weren’t allowed to play with your robot because you didn’t listen at dinner.  Oy.

Three things you love to do:

1. Watch movies.
2. Do the dishes.  Which always results in you getting soaked and needing a new shirt.
3. Play with kids.  Any kid.  Anywhere.  Anytime.

Three things about you and your brother:

1. You *just* learned (last week) how to pronounce his name properly!
2. You always share with him and often give him the first turn.
3. You are the first one to race to his room in the morning, flip on the light, and yell, “Hi, Bro!  Whaddaya know, Bro??”

Three things about you and your dad:

1. You refuse to nap until you get to see daddy when he gets home from work.
2. Every weekend, it blows your mind to find him in bed when you get up in the morning.  (And yes, Monday’s tend to be a bummer when it’s back to finding only me there!)
3. The 2 of you are always coming up with something new — a new dance move, a new way to make a fort, a new lego tower.  You love playing with your dad and one of my favourite things to do is listen to my 3 boys laugh and play together.

Three reasons I love you:

1. You are so, so sweet.  And you always say the exact right thing at the exact right time to make me smile.  You most certainly have your mama wrapped around your finger.
2. Your genuine enthusiasm to see anyone walk thru the front door is just awesome.  Your excitement is infectious — and it makes me beam.
3. When I tuck you in at night, no matter how tough our day was, my heart grows a teeny bit bigger.  Every single night.  As I pull up your blanket and smooch your cheek, I’m already looking forward to tomorrow.

Three years ago today I was reeling from the shock of holding you 5 weeks too early.  I had no idea what I was in for back then, and you and me are still learning as we go.  Three years ago, you made me a mama in an instant and, my sweet boy, I knew I’d love you for a lifetime.  Happy Birthday, Jak Attack! 

Why did my mean, mean, meanest mom blow out the light?  WHY??????

Oh, so I’m supposed to eat this thing.  Blue stuff?  Not bad.  Brown stuff?  Delicious!

Ok, this is good.  (Although I wish dad would get that camera outta my face so I could enjoy it in peace.)  Lemme taste that blue stick…

This will teach ya — I’m gonna get my grubby hands on that camera!  Happy birthday to me!!

So for now, just a taste…

Stayed tuned for the big reveal…and wayyyyy more cuteness.

*I got the acronym WGH (World’s Greatest Husband) from erin.

Still not sure, however, how we can both have the World’s Greatest Husband…hmmm…

I’m so very grateful that Jakzen and Maguire have these 2 amazing role models in their lives.  (And yes, I say that even though I know full well they will be the cause of endless grandfatherly shenanigans in the years to come…)  Happy Birthday!!