Isaac, you turned 3 this year and what a year it has been! There have been some big highs and some big lows but without a doubt, the year wouldn't have been as spectacular or interesting without you.
We call you Hurricane Ike because when you come barreling through, we brace ourselves and prepare for one massive path of destruction. In your defense, I am not sure you are much more messy than any other toddler but you are following Will and Sam who are two boys that play rather neatly and organized:) You are loud and spirited. You are pretty fearless and tough. You are quick witted and too smart for your own good. You are sweet and loving. You are funny, really funny!
You spend a couple of days a week at Kids Day Out this year. You were not keen on the idea for the first few months but you have warmed up to it and always come home with a smile on your face. Mommy is VERY thankful for KDO because not only does it give me a little down time and you a little time to socialize, it is also the place that really brought potty training home for you. Thanks to Will, I promised myself to never push potty training on you boys and just let you go as you were ready. (It helps me rest easy at night knowing that dating won't be a problem even at 16 if you are wearing a pull up:)) So, getting you out of diapers was far from my mind. But I think your teachers took a gentle approach and seeing your friends do it made you want to as well. So, you are the first of my boys to be potty trained before 3 years-old. Way to go Ike!! Now you go like a champ. Our only problem now is convincing you that you do have to hold the apparatus in order to aim with much accuracy and that wiping is required as is washing your hands.
Your brothers are into aliens and Wii games. So, you are into aliens and Wii games. I am amazed at your ability to retain names like Humungousaur and Water Hazard although you pronounce them Hugemungousaur and Wazer Hazard:) and the patience, confidence, and success you have with the Wii. There is no game that you aren't willing to tackle. I do get summoned in from time to time to try and get you out of a pinch and onto the next level. And although I do my best, sometimes I am a help and other times, you send me away I guess figuring you are more likely to get it done that me.
You love Mario and Luigi. You pronounce them "Maweo" with a slight Italian accent and "The Wigi". You were Maweo for Halloween and several days after that and that was your birthday party theme.
You are not shy about making your feelings or opinions known. You are very certain about your choices which is a characteristic you got from your daddy, not me. I am proud of you for it too. You are not wishy washy that is for sure. You are also quite vocal about how you are feeling. You scream at will and right now tell us quite a bit when we say, "No" to one of your requests, "You are making me cry."
You still talk a lot in your sleep and holler out which makes you kind of annoying to your roommates:)
You have about 6 or 7 things on your menu that you like to eat: cereal, oatmeal, pizza, chicken nuggets, milk, chicken nuggets, and more milk. You aren't interested in trying anything new. The Lord knows we have tried. So, if you forever have to order off the kids menu at restaurants, don't look at Dad or me.
Ike, you are my busy boy. You are always up to something. That doesn't mean it is a bad something, just something. You play VERY well by yourself but love a partner although at times you drive them up the wall. You know just how to get under Sam's skin, and I know you like to do it;) If there is controversy in our house, it is usually between you and Sam. You are the best of pals one minute and the worst of enemies another. One of these days, you will just be the best of pals.
Isaac, you are one crazy smart little boy. I know you will use it for good rather than evil and for that reason, I cannot wait to see the plans God has for you. You are the dancer, singer, all out entertainer in this family. You are rarely shy and love to make us laugh. You appreciate a smile and readily offer up kisses. You like to tell us when you are gassy because you know that always gets a laugh. You can wear me out physically and emotionally but my days are more fun and interesting with you in them. I love you so much little buddy. Happy Birthday!