Happy 3rd Birthday Brody Boy!!

Like I say in all the milestone posts, I cannot believe Brody is already 3!! I can remember almost every detail of the day of his birth. For those who were around that day, you know it was quite memorable. Nothing we do in this family seems to come easy. And birthing children is no exception. From having contractions at 29 weeks..to 6 weeks of bedrest...to going into labor again at 35 weeks and being in labor for what seems like days to finally meeting our sweet boy at 6:44pm on January 19, 2008.

1st Birthday Party

2nd Birthday Party

Brody Boy, our 3 years with you have been nothing but an adventure filled blessing. Your personality lights up our home on a daily basis. Your sense of humor keeps us laughing and your new found "sweetness" melts our hearts. You haven't always been a hugger and snuggler, but in the last little while you've come around and we are embracing it. We know you'll grow up and think you're too "cool" to hug and kiss mom and dad so we're taking all we can get right now!

 Even though you fight all the time, you truly love your little brother

 This pic is here just so Daddy can show everyone what he taught you :)

You have been through more in the last year and a half than we ever thought our little boy would have to go through. And you've been so brave and so determined through it all. You still don't quite comprehend what is going on with you, that your legs aren't quite as strong as your friends, but it doesn't stop you from trying. You try to run, jump and climb to keep up with them. I love hearing you say that your braces make you strong and help you run and jump. Or when you say "The doctor has to check out my legs." You are so used to the routine and take it in stride. As far as you're concerned, you think its just another part of normal life that everyone goes through. Thank you sweet boy for your attitude through all of this! Its just another way God is going to get all the glory through your situation.

Getting your first set of braces in Jan 2010 (you actually were happy here)

Your favorite things these days are all things boy. Trains, cars, playing ball with daddy, tractors, dinosaurs. You ask to play with your train tracks and race track almost daily. And I know that your daddy is extremely proud of the fact that you can hit a ball that is pitched to you..and hit it HARD! Maybe you can skip t-ball! You also really enjoy movies, and although I really appreciate that on busy days or when I'm not feeling well, we do have to limit your movie watching haha!

Criss Cross Crash, your Christmas gift from Mommy and Daddy. You play with this for hours.

And I have to say, my absolute favorite thing about you at this age, is that you tell me that "Jesus saved me." You want to read your bible at almost every nap time and can tell me about all the pictures you see. It was so neat this Christmas to see your knowledge of Christ's birth blossom as you excitedly told us about Baby Jesus, the manger and Mary and Joseph.  I can't wait for you to be old enough to truly understand Christ's love for us and to accept Him as your Savior.

Making a birthday cake for Jesus on Christmas Eve.

Brody Boy, We love you so much and have truly enjoyed all the good and trying times with you over the last 3 years. We are so excited to see how you change and grow over the next year!