3 Years Old!!!

It is hard for me to believe it, but Caden is 3 years old today, January 9! It doesn't take much to take me right back to the day he was born and remember how scared we were for him, not knowing if he was going to live or not. And, now just look at him! He is such an amazing little boy! He has such a strong will (which can work against us at times) that has served him so well throughout his short life. He is so persistent and such a hard worker at everything he does.

He is “Mr. Independent” right now, wanting to do everything for himself without any help from anyone else. In fact, if he's trying to climb up on a chair or a couch and struggling and I give him a little boost, he will say, “No! Do it myself!” and get right back down and try to get up again on his own. This applies to any scenario: putting his shoes/socks on, putting his jacket on, etc. It can be very frustrating to me if we are in a hurry to go somewhere. But I also know it is very important for him to do things on his own. So I usually try to factor in extra time for him to accomplish some of these tasks so we don't have to rush.

Caden is really struggling to share toys at this age, but I suppose that is typical. He hasn't had a lot of opportunity to learn how to play with his peers because the majority of his life he has spent in isolation at home to keep him healthy. Or he has been at therapy appointments with adults. His only real example of how to play with other kids has been with Kyler and he isn't the best example. So I am really looking forward to getting involved with a local play group that has kids his own age so he can learn how to share and take turns, etc.

That's a little about Caden at this age and stage. Now for the birthday celebration. Because we literally only moved into our house the day before his birthday, we decided to keep it really small. My parents came down to visit and help us get settled. So we had a family dinner followed by cake and presents.

We have a friend who lives in town who makes cakes and we commissioned her to make a “Handy Manny” birthday cake for Caden since he is OBSESSED with that TV show! She made the most AMAZING cake I have every seen! It is Manny's toolbox with all his tools inside. I am in complete awe of her incredible work! And, it was completely edible with the exception of a couple toothpicks and the handle of the toolbox! :) Caden and Kyler both loved the cake.

Isn't this the most amazing cake you've ever seen???

I love that sweet face!

All of us with the birthday boy after
he dismantled his tools

Grandma and Grandpa with the birthday boy

I was really hoping this year would be the year that Caden wanted to actually eat some of his birthday cake. Unfortunately that wasn't the case. I took a small piece of cake and had him eat that, but it was followed by gagging/retching. :( I really hope someday he will actually learn to enjoy eating.

The bite is in his mouth but he doesn't want to close

There's the gag followed by a bad retch  :(

Caden's “big” present was a tricycle from Grandma and Grandpa. It is perfect for him to learn to use now that he is just tall enough to reach the pedals. We have the perfect location for him to learn to ride it on our quiet culdesac or on our covered patio in the back yard. :)

Taking it for a test ride in the house

I have to say, despite the craziness and chaos of the previous three-four weeks, Caden's birthday was very fun and special. We are so blessed to have him in our lives. It is so fun to rejoice with him when he learns new things and overcomes obstacles that previously held him back. We love you Caden! More than words can say! We can't wait to see what you have in store for us in the years to come. :)