Happy Half Birthday

Today is Kai's half birthday. He's now the ripe age of two and a HALF. It's a big deal.

Half birthdays are important in our family. I celebrated my half birthday every year growing up (and still do). Nothing fancy, but I usually got to pick out a special meal and have a real dessert after dinner. Plus, the joy of saying that I was now, [insert age] and a half years old! That extra half helps kids sound so much more mature, don't you think?

For Kai's entry into age 2.5, he asked for his red gummy vitamin, to watch Shark Tale when he gets home from school, and to have fish for dinner. I'm sure he'll also ask for cake. He always wants cake.

Two has been a fun age so far, but of course it comes with its moments of us wanting to pull our hair out. The hitting, the tantrums, the insane number of time outs. We hope those days will be behind us soon (I know, I know, I won't hold my breath).

But for now, we are going to cherish these next six months before he turns three and remember all the little things he does that puts smiles on our faces and warmth in our hearts . . .

• The sound of his little munchkin voice. 
• The way he says "ma" when giving kisses (he means "mwah").
• His insistence on reading the same books, watching the same movies, and listening to the same songs over and over again. 
• Hearing him sing to himself, to us, and to his baby brother.
• Saying his prayers before meals and bedtime.
• How he turns on his light every night after we tuck him in (then we go back after a half hour to turn it off).
• That he still sleeps on his tummy with his butt up in the air.
• His strong opinion about the outfits he wears, all the way down to his socks.
• Him sharing all the things he learns and the fun he has at school.
• His love of all ocean-related items, especially whales (specifically humpback whales). 
• The way he answers with his first, middle, and last name when anyone asks him what his name is.
• How he has to put his foot on Rich's leg under the table while eating.
• His obsession with cheese.
• Hearing him say, "I love you, Mommy. I love you, Daddy. I love you, Baby Evan."

Happy Half Birthday to my sweet baby boy!