AnchorMommy

Happy Birthday Kellan! My big boy is three

March 9, 2010 by Shannon

The big three! Kellan has been a part of our family for THREE YEARS. It’s amazing how much richer our lives have become because of him.

Kellan took his time coming into this world. Even the doctor thought he’d be born on or around his due date of February 27, but Kellan had other ideas. I had to be medically induced into labor by the time Kellan was two weeks late. The labor was long (and I will forever be grateful for the invention of the epidural) and by the time it was done, we were entirely exhausted but thrilled beyond words.

From the start, Kellan has always wanted to be close to people. As a newborn, he would not let me put him down for more than a few minutes at a time. I quickly learned to do everything with only one hand, and as soon as we got a baby sling, we were both a lot happier. He could be near me every single second, and I could have the luxury of using both of my hands.

Kellan smiled early, and that first smile was the most charming and beguiling thing I have ever seen. He was a sweet baby, but just like his mama, when he wanted or needed something, he needed it THAT VERY SECOND. I responded quickly to his every cry and whimper because I couldn’t bear to hear him upset.

As he grew, Kellan became more and more communicative. He quickly caught the hang of sign language, and we were happy to have an easy way to “talk” with him. Once he started speaking, we could barely keep track of all the words he could say. The talking hasn’t stopped since. Now, his questions are frequent and often ridiculous, but I remind myself that he’s just a curious kid who wants to know how things work and why people act they way they do.

Kellan is quick to sympathize when someone is sad, and he loves to make people laugh. He adores his friends and family, and makes new friends easily. In fact, he’s such a people person that he really has no idea what the meaning of “personal space” is. He often gets in someone’s “bubble” simply because he really wants to get his message across and make sure he’s heard.

Kellan loves music, musical instruments and musicals. When he’s not talking, he’s singing or asking me to put on his favorite musical, The Sound of Music. He loves books, and would check out 50 or 60 at a time during each library visit if I’d let him.

Kellan has helped me to see the world in a different way and delight in the little things — from pinecones and squirrels in the backyard to the simple joys of mac n’ cheese and a glass of chocolate milk. He is both a challenge and a joy — the source of endless laughter and happiness in our family. I know he will only continue to amaze us as he grows up and takes on the important job of Big Brother.

I love you, Kellan.

Happy Birthday!!!