Happy 3rd Birthday Cody!!

After several years of hoping and praying for a baby, we got pregnant and 3 years ago today this beautiful little miracle was born into our family. Our lives completely changed that day and it has been a roller coaster ride ever since. Children really do walk right into your hearts from day one and Cody did just that. I am in complete awe of him and love him more than words can describe.

2011 was a BIG year for us. Cody went through a move to a new home and becoming a big brother all at once. I try really hard not to be the mom that brags on her kid, but I must say that I have never been more proud of him than I have been over this last year. He has grown SO much and is such a sweet, compassionate and caring little guy. He has really come out of his shell since we moved and loves playing with all the kids in the neighborhood (which would not have been something he would have done a year ago). He LOVES to help me with his little brother and he really is so gentle and loving towards him and it melts my heart to see the two of them together. He has become so independent and has really learned to do many things by himself (which always makes mama’s life easier!). Of course, they all have their moments, but I really have appreciated seeing him blossom over these last several months and it is nice to see this little person developing right before my eyes! How cool is it that, as parents, we can be apart of that?!

We had his birthday party this past weekend at one of our favorite places, The Little Gym. They ran an AWESOME deal on Living Social and I couldn’t pass it up. I was SO impressed by the party and it was so nice not having to be the one to have to do the entertaining. I didn’t have to clean my house, pick up the mess when it was over or worry about what I would do to keep the kids entertained. The girls that lead the party at the gym made it very personal for Cody by having all the kids say happy birthday throughout the gym class, he got to go first during the games etc. They allowed them free time and had special games for them to play. It was a ton of fun and I think even the parents had a good time :)

After the class, we all went into the “party room” where they set up a table for the kids. They supply everything you will need: balloons (which they give out to each child as they leave), paper products, plastic ware, juice boxes and candles for your cake. They light the candles, pass out all the drinks and cake and write down a list of everything the child gets with the names of who got them. They will even order the pizza for  you if you choose to do that! I didn’t have to do anything but have HAVE FUN!!!

The Party Room

They had these cute lego bins at Krogers. I used it for the goody bags.

Signature Board. All the guests sign special messages to him and I add pics from the party.

 Cody is really into legos so I did plant some lego themed ideas throughout the day to make it even more special for him (which I will go into in detail on thursday’s post) and one of the things was his cake. It has turned into a tradition for us to make his cake and this year we made a lego cake. It was really fun to do with him and it turned out SO COOL!!

Cody having fun making his birthday cake!

Totally not perfect, but super cute! I printed the lego men off the web, printed the lego emblems onto green paper, laminated them and taped them to a large cutting board I have to make it look like the green lego board. I also made him a lego crown (links on thurs.)

 Overall, we had a great day and I want to say thanks to The Little Gym for all that they do for kids. I knew from day one there that it was the place for Cody to be. The classes push him to take risks and teaches him so much more than just gymnastics. He recently moved into the big boy class (sniff, sniff) and everyone there helped to make the transition as easy as possible for both of us (cause you know mama needed it too!). I can’t say enough great things about them!!

I printed off the lego men (which say happy birthday), taped them to one of Cody's green board and daddy did the lego name.

SO today is the day and we will be having a special day at the pool (we joined Lifetime fitness) and then dinner with the fam in the evening. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my big boy! I love you SOOOO much and am so proud of you :)