Happy Birthday Benjamin

I think maybe because I am so very aware of the gift each of my children are, I get very excited about celebrating their birthdays. I am so thankful for each day and today my little Benjamin turned three!

Three years ago, Benjamin Oliver Bolte entered the world after a quick and intense labor. He was 8 lb 6 oz, and 21 inches long. The largest of all of my babies BY FAR! I will never forget the nurse handing him to me and saying "uh-oh looks like you've got a redhead". I remember thinking, that she couldn't be right, I denied it for weeks and months, but now, there is just no denying it. Ben is a redhead through and through, and I would not have it any other way!

Friday we went to the local Fireman's carnival for a little while and Ben was certain that his party was "startin' up". He was sure that carnival was ALL for him! Who were we to argue? He is a special kid! He had a great time riding rides and playing games.

Saturday was his party. We had a big picnic and were so happy to spend time with some of our family and friends. Ben was over the moon excited about playing with his friends and opening gifts. It really was a true joy to watch him open each gift. Though we have a basement overflowing with toys, he acted as if each new toy was the greatest thing he had ever seen.

In TRUE "Ben fashion" after blowing out his number three candle on his cupcake, he went to lick the frosting off and, yes, he took a huge bite of the candle! ONLY BEN! He then realized he did not care much for the taste of candlewax an proceeded to spit it out into my waiting hand.

He had a great party. Today, for his REAL birthday, when he woke up I told him he could have ANY breakfast he wanted and he chose popsicles and eggs! Again, who am I to argue with such a request, so popsicles and eggs were had by all, (I mean, it could have been worse right? Eggs are a typical breakfast food and popsicles...well that is almost fruit or juice or something. At least that is what I told myself)! We then decided to head to Chuck E Cheese for lunch where we had a great time playing and eating. After that we decided that since Ben had gotten so many toys, and needed NOTHING else, instead of getting him gifts ourselves, we would take him to the pet store to pick out a new fish for our fish tank. Ben felt sorry for the "feeder fish" and decided he must have a 12 cent fish. We splurged and let him get three since he turned three! :-) They are now happily swimming around in their new home.

We then came home and had a little DQ cake and played and watched movies. He is now sleeping in my bed next to me as I type and I am so grateful that the Lord chose that boy to be a part of our family! I honestly don't know what I would have done some of the days in the past year or two without that crazy boy. He wears me out but man he makes me laugh. I have decided the next few posts will highlight the blessing that Benjamin is to our family! Stay tuned. I am sure you will be blessed by him as well!