Three!

  Tomorrow is a big day, my little Ryler is turning three!
  I was talking to Russ about him the other day and told him that I've never met another child who is capable of stirring up such extreme emotions within me. There are times when he makes me so angry I think I might just snap and end up in a mental hospital (like when he took a meat mallet to my hard wood floors or stuck my wedding ring in his poopy diaper), and then there are the times when he looks at me with that sweet little face and says "I love you mommy" and my heart melts and I know that there's nothing in the world I want more than to be his mommy.
  It's funny how the same two parents can create children who are so incredibly different, for example; Taevin has always been relatively easy. Mild mannered, compliant and sensitive, much like his dad. Ryler is the polar opposite of that; he's vibrant in every way. Bold, curious, and filled with energy. Only time will tell what Kalei will be like, but one thing I know is that all three of them have awfully big hearts for being in such little bodies.
  I've been anticipating Ryler turning three, my mom always said, whoever came up with the term "terrible two's" must have killed their kid before they got to three. It can be a difficult age, and was for Taevin but I've also spoke to many parents who have loved it. Given that Ryler has been a challenge since he was about 18 months old, I'm hopeful that as he gets older, some of that energy he has will be directed toward more positive things rather than creating murals on the walls with permanent markers and victimizing the dog. 
  Now that Taevin is in school I've had the opportunity to spend some one on one time with Ryler and am enjoying it immensely. We spend lots of time reading books while I feed Kalei, doing housework and cooking, he loves to be helpful and I'm constantly amazed at his brilliance. I was joking with someone the other day and told them that depending on how he focuses his energy and intelligence, he'll either end up in jail or be a millionaire, I'm hoping for the latter! As for now I'm trying to cherish every moment with this lovable little boy, he is teaching me how to be the kind of mother I want to be. And tomorrow, like every birthday, I will wake up and sing to him our special birthday song.
  Happy Birthday Ryler!