Happy Birthday Evan!

Three years ago I waited anxiously by my phone. I was getting ready to have a baby, and the hospital scheduled an induction, telling me I could come in as soon as they called. I was ready to go in as soon as a room was ready. Well, a lot of babies were born that day because I had to wait all day and all night. The next morning we packed Miles in the car and went to the hospital. I was getting ready to have my second baby without ever going into labor. Mark's mom met us at the hospital to take Miles.

Evan's delivery was so easy it was almost fun. I remember looking at him for the first time and thinking, "Wow, I hope you're always this easy." And for six months it was. :) Then the ear infections came. With a vengeance. They never went away. He never slept. I never slept. By the age of 2, Evan had gone through two sets of ear tubes, two surgeries, and an adenoid removal. The poor boy had been through more illness in his life than anyone should have to. But he also came with a darling independent personality, curly hair, and a mischievous lovable smile. Evan is my match. He is me in toddler form. I feel like he is part of my heart, and I love my little boy. He often repeats me when I say, "I love Evan too much!" and he says back, "I love Evan too much!" I hope he really does feel that way.

From the beginning Evan has been adventurous, loving, and sensitive. He gives the best hugs, on his terms only. He follows Miles and imitates everything he does. In fact, he might enjoy Miles' friends more than Miles does. Although they fight, like brothers do, they are the very best of friends, and I can't imagine what they would do without each other. Evan is always up for fun, and he especially loves being outside.

He also fiercely loves dinosaurs. Maybe he can relate to their strong, dominant presence. Maybe he loves their loud roars and their sharp teeth. Maybe it's the hundreds of visits we've made to the dinosaur museums. Whatever it is, Evan has come to identify with dinosaurs. In fact, he just saw a dinosaur on TV and said, "That's ME - a dinosaur!!" His one wish this year was for a dinosaur party with "dinosaur balloons, dinosaur decorations, dinosaur games, dinosaur cake, and dinosaur presents." So on Friday we made the dream happen, and he couldn't have been more thrilled. And we couldn't be more thrilled to have a dinosaur for a son. We love you toooooo much Evan!!! Happy 3rd Birthday!!