Happy Birthday, Leyton!

Happy Birthday to our sweet little Leyton!  Wow, have you grown!  Did you know that last year you were only in the 50th percentile for height, but this year you are in the 75th?  You shot up like a weed this year, but only gained two pounds!  Tall, skinny little man you are! You are growing every day, and learning so many new things I can hardly keep track. You are also extremely silly, and you love putting on a show for anyone who will watch.  Dancing, singing, spinning around...you do it all. I always know when I start hearing your really high-pitched laugh and see you getting too silly that you are really tired. It's a sure sign that you are ready to go to bed. Since you pretty much dropped your nap this past spring, you tend to wear out a bit earlier in the evening than your brothers.  Sometimes you will just put yourself to bed (or down for a nap if you really need one!) I love that you can take a break when you need it.

You still love to dress up, and most days we find you in one crazy get-up or another.  You are widely known in the neighborhood for the crazy things you wear, and I love that you are not shy about what you like. You are also my "crafty" one, and you can sit and do art projects, crafts, or play-doh for a really long time. Along with all this fun comes a very sneaky side of you, one that gets you in trouble A LOT. So much for that sweet little angel baby--your toddler years are proving to give us a run for our money. Wow, are you busy! And I don't mean busy as in playing hard, moving from toy to toy, or being overly active. I mean busy like getting into thing busy. You will open any drawer, closet, unknown box, package or envelope that you find. I literally cannot leave anything within your eyesight because you will find it, you will get into it, and sometimes you will destroy it before I realize what you've done. I have never known a more curious kid than you. Although I am sure this trait will serve you well as an adult, it's been tricky, that's all I can say.

Although we fully potty trained you back in the spring, this summer brought quite a bit of regression, especially with pooping on the potty.  It has been a very trying time for us all, and we are keeping our fingers crossed that we will get over this hump by winter.  :)

You are still a fruit lover, and it is not uncommon for you to eat up to three apples in one day. I have never seen anyone in all my life love fruit the way you do. It is your snack of choice, and you eat it with all three meals. Quite a sweet tooth you have there as you would also eat candy all day if I'd let you, but thankfully your fruits do the trick and are much healthier. With all other foods you have become quite picky, but as long as we keep black beans, cheese, edamame and fruit at home, you're well fed and thriving!

Today you couldn't wait to tear into your gifts when you came downstairs.  New games, a hopping bunny, playdoh set, and a giant stuffed squid all waited to greet you.  You also had your first day of preschool on this special day, and you loved it! It is great for all of us to be back in a good routine. :)
For dinner, we took you out to celebrate, and you picked The Cheesecake Factory, whcre you feasted on a grilled cheese and fruit (what else?) followed by yummy cheesecake!

Happy Happy Birthday Dear Leyton! May the coming year be as joyful as the previous ones, and may you always know how very thankful we are to have you in our family!

Love,
Mommy