My Big Baby Boy

Precious Parker,

I still can't believe how much love I have gained since your birth. You have made me change more than I ever expected, and have given me more pleasure than I ever thought possible in your 3 short years on this earth. You are the funniest kid I have ever met. Seriously hilarious. Despite your slightly destructive nature, you show more compassion than any other 3 year old I know. You are always telling me how much you love me and are the first person to ask me if I am ok when my face "looks sad" to you. Though your stubbornness has caused intense frustration in me, your determination and creativity make me so proud. You love to learn and are willing to appease me when I want you to memorize something to show you off. You are cute beyond words with your highlighted-looking hair, big green eyes, and ornery little smile. I love your sweet face. I can still remember how happy I was to hold you in the hospital after you were born. I was in awe that your daddy and I had been given you. It seems like yesterday I was strapping you in the car seat to bring you home wondering if I would be a good mommy. We've taught each other so much. You and I...we're a team. I love you baby boy. 

-Mommy

My big boy turned three on Saturday, so here's few (too many) pictures to show how we celebrated.

Ok, so if you know me at all, you know I am REALLY not into character-themed birthdays and REALLY REALLY not into anything car related. I still can't believe people call NASCAR a sport. Anyway, for Parker's birthday I decided to have a movie night with just a few of his friends. I let him pick any movie he wanted thinking he'd say Madagascar, but he busted out with Cars as his selection. Not only did I let him have his way and watch a two hour movie with eight other two to six year olds, I actually bought a few Cars decorative party items. It was beyond tacky, but Parker loved it. And yes, I even let my dining room table sport a plastic tablecloth, one of my pet peeves. I snapped this picture before I finished setting up. Check out the hot banner. You know you love it.

For lunch, we headed to Quaker Stake and Lube with Nana, Poppy, Aunt Sarah, MeMaw and PaPaw. I felt so redneck, but once again, my son totally enjoyed himself with huge race cars looming over his head.

 

We opened presents and then let him play a few games in their game room. In true Parker style, he picked the basketball game first.

Next, he raced with Daddy. We couldn't get him to keep his hands on the wheel. We had better clear up that problem before he turns 16.

Not sure who's enjoying this more.

With Memaw and PaPaw.

Biker Chick? Um, no.

Presents with Nana and Poppy. He got exactly what he asked for: a zebra, a red truck, balloons, and a ball.

Studs.

This is what they brought him since it was his birthday. Needless to say, we all shared.

Being festive.

Three boys and a girl. Don't you love when dads get forced to carry around the cute diaper bags? David is a trooper, he never seems to mind.

Hanging out with PawPaw before his party.

Licking the beaters. Who didn't love doing this as a child?

Simple and yummy. Parker said he wanted red cake with white frosting. This gave me a perfect opportunity to make one of my favorites, red velvet with cream cheese frosting. Martha's recipe is AMAZING.

Checking out his new viewmaster.

All the kids started arriving around 5:00. You would have thought I was running a daycare. The parents dropped off their kids and ran out the door. Most used the opportunity to go on a date and have kid-free time. I think I'm the fellow-parent-of-the-year for having a kid-only party. It was a challenge, but fun nonetheless.

David set up a movie projector and we watched the show on the wall. The screen was ginormous. Not sure if the kids or David appreciated the size more. I've decided that the next time I have a movie night, if ever, I will override my child's wishes and play the shortest movie ever. Good times. Thank you everyone who came and made the day special for my little P.

Happy birthday, Parker David Dunn. You are one loved little guy. Your daddy and I can't wait to see what year three has to bring!