3 years ago today...

We were just minding our own business when a little blessing was born into this world.

And now that little blessing has grown into this handsome dude...

What would life be like for us without this blessing? My heart can not even go there. All I know is that he is our forever son. So attached in the most healthy of ways that sometimes I can't physically get him off of me. :) I tell him daily how happy I am to be his mommy. And often times, he replies with "Thank you". Such a polite one!  As most of you know, we didn't take Pax home until he was about 2 and a half weeks old. It was hard to not have him immediately, but it's just the way it worked out. And I took that time to relish in Holden's last days as an only child.  I've been looking through some old pictures tonight.  Some that M sent me almost 3 years ago. And some from his foster mom, where he stayed until he made it home to us. It's hard for me to fathom that he had other "mommies" and caretakers before we came along. But it's just the way adoption works sometimes. And I love that my precious boy was able to touch some hearts before making his way into our family. I love the significance of this next picture.  M physically relinquishing him into my arms for the first time. This was the first moment we met little Pax. M and I are now wonderful friends and we love her dearly. We feel fortunate to see her and her family on a regular basis.

And just like that we were a family of 4.

I've said if before, but I love what God has done. I'm so greatful for his surprises. I'm thankful He released my hand of control in the area of building my family. Because today I got to snuggle on the couch with a full lap while reading story books. And each day my heart overflows because I get to be mommy to these boys.

Pax at age 3. He's sweet. Super sweet. Affectionate. Such a little lover. Sensitive. Good at sharing. Oftentimes a people pleaser. A good little brother. Sometimes quiet and sometimes the loudest in this house. A comedian. A good and healthy eater. Laid back.

This year Pax had some major accomplishments. He gave up his paci at 2 years and 2 months, just like Holden. He made it a piece of cake! One morning in early April, he decided he wanted to start going potty. After many accidents, he finally got it down and just like that we were diaper free. Pax was potty trained! This summer we moved him out of his crib by changing it into a toddler bed. I regretted it for a while because he became a busy little bee during sleep times. But he's doing much better with it now. There was just an awful adjustment period for all of us.

Pax is our sporty boy. He loves to play golf, baseball and with any kind of ball. One of his favorite activities is riding his bike outside. He also loves to play with trains and motorcycles. And currently he is crazy for anything super hero.

His mannerisms and conversations make me laugh each day. I laugh at him and tell him he's funny. Then Holden repeats whaever Pax said/did that made me laugh. Maybe someone's a little jealous of that attention. :) Pax definitely does much entertaining in this house. Outside of our home he can be very shy, but sometimes he surprises me and lets his little personality shine for all to see.

Pax is my little buddy. A little bit (or a lot if you're asking Jeremy) of a momma's boy, which I will not complain about. I sometimes catch myself carrying him on my hip as if he's still a baby. He will definitely allow it and sometimes I just soak it up. It really is impossible to tell you who he is through writing. But I'm grateful to know him better than anyone on earth. It's just one of the many perks of being this sweet boy's mommy and spending my days with him.

So today Pax turned 3!  If he were any part baby yesterday, the big 3 wipes that out. I can't believe he's suddenly so big. But I'm not one to wish for the past. I'm looking forward to a wonderful year ahead with my sweet 3 year old!