Half Birthday: Jake

Today is a day of celebration for Jake - a half birthday! Time is flying by. It's hard to believe that Jake is no longer a baby, and now happily off to his own adventures at preschool.  I want to savor every bit of this lovable, smart, and funny three-and-a-half year old.

It's a rare day in our house when we don't say to each other, "That Jake is a good kid". He just is. He plays well with others, from his peers to Lucie and Ryan's buddies, and even older kids. A recent new friend is in the sixth grade, and I think she has just as much fun playing with Jake as he does with her.

Along with his friendly nature comes an easy-going, ready-for-anything attitude. When he started preschool last week, I had no worries about tears or clingy good-byes. Jake could not have been more excited.

In fact, he wanted me to stay home on the first day of school so he could have special time with Daddy during drop-off. At pick-up that day, his teacher remarked to me, "Jake's going to be really fun to teach this year." All things point to a good year in the three-year-old class.

Because Jake hangs out with his siblings so often, he tends to say and do things that the average three year old might not. Ask him his favorite TV show, and he'll reply in his biggest and loudest voice, "American Ninja Warrior!" He knows all about the Dodger's starting line-up, and enjoys the highlights on ESPN with his Dad and brother each morning.

He also started "learning to surf" this summer, by riding in waves on the board with Daddy. He's very confident in the pool, swimming in the deep end and moving along the edge of the entire pool alone. He even jumped off his first diving board! With all these big kid moves, Lucie thinks that if Jake were a little taller, her teacher might let him into third grade.

Once you listen to his sweet little voice though, it's easy to be reminded of his age. He says all sorts of funny things, like calling sparkling water "farkling water" and "fright" is his brother's favorite soda treat (Sprite). He also loves all the things most three year olds adore like Mickey Mouse, Thomas the Train, and his Ninja Turtle pajamas.

Some other favorite things include: playing baseball (or any game involving a ball), watching trains and garbage trucks, painting on the easel, wrestling with Ryan and Daddy, listening to Lucie read to him, and going to the junior fitness class at the gym.

Jake, our family is so lucky to have you. Welcome to the second half of age three, little buddy!