Morris Family in Mexico: Joshua: 3 Years Old

I have such vivid memories from the first few hours and weeks of Josh's life. I remember how he didn't cry when he was born, even through the initial poking and prodding and weighing. I remember the clicking sound he made when he nursed, and then finding out hours later that he had a barely noticeable cleft palate. I remember cuddling him next to me in the hospital bed that first night so that we could both get some sleep. I remember that there were huge thunder and lightning storms the first few nights we were home that I would watch when I was up feeding him. And I remember smiling in those wee hours of the night, because although I was exhausted, I was getting to hold such a miracle, such an answer to prayer in my arms.

Now, three years later, Joshua is our spit fire, full of life, energetic, tough, and hilarious toddler. He rounds out our home so well.

He loves to be active and keep up with the big boys in whatever they are doing. He loves to be outside and play in the sand pit. He is always dirty. He loves riding his bike and rides it fast and fearless. He loves to play soccer, jump, run and wrestle.

He isn't as shy as the twins were; however it does take him a long time to warm up to people in a big group setting. He does a great job playing with the big boys and their friends, but he really thrives when he is around kids his own age. He's always so happy when he's playing with Ellie or Edmund, his cousins that are similar in age.

He loves, loves, loves his daddy. His first question to me each morning is, "Is dad here?" When Ben gets home from work, and especially from a trip, Josh is in his arms, head on his shoulder snuggling. He really, really adores Ben.

I don't remember Seth and Sam being so full of questions at this age. I feel like I've answered 100 "why" or "what that for" questions by lunch time each day. He wants to know the reason for why I ask him to do anything, where we're going, and "what dat for." He wants to know how things work. He definitely wants to know why I dare tell him "no" for anything. This kid has got a will of his own for sure.

He loves to read, but especially with his daddy. His favorite books are anything about vehicles or any Winnie the Pooh, and our new favorite, "Fix-it Duck" (which can be recited by everyone in our family).

Josh is basically done with naps; especially because if he does happen to fall asleep, he's up until 10:30 or 11:00 that night; I'll take a no-nap toddler any day over that! Compared to the twins, he's such a great sleeper! He goes to sleep around 8:30 and often will sleep in until 8:30 or 9. He rarely wakes up in the middle of the night; however, if he does, he usually is up for literally 2-3 hours. Thank goodness those times are few and far between!

When we asked him what he wanted for his birthday, his reply was, "sausage." It's safe to say that sausage is his favorite food. Beyond that, he's kind of a quirky eater: very hit and miss. He really likes nuts (weird for a kid, right?) He also loves chips. Some mornings he eats pancakes with a vengeance, others he won't eat a second bite. Most the time he really likes banana and peanut butter and will request it for three lunches in a row...then he won't eat it on the fourth day. Oh, and he loves bacon, but who doesn't?

He's 29 pounds and 36 inches tall.

I wish I could say, "He's potty trained," but he's not. Not even close. I'm sensing a real battle with that one, so I'm putting it off. Or, a more positive way to say it: I don't think he's ready yet and I know if I wait a bit longer, it may be easier (hopefully?)

We don't really have to deal with the cleft palate anymore. His voice has kind of a different tone to it, but he doesn't seem to have any real noticeable speech impediment. The only thing that seems to plague him health-wise is a reoccurring left ear infection (even though he has tubes). However, the ear doctor has assured us that this is very normal for kids with cleft palate repair, as their ear tubes are slow to mature as well.

He loves to do anything by himself now because he's a "big boy." He's taking off all his clothes on his own and attempting to get dressed. He's assured me that I know longer need to brush his teeth, because he's a "big boy" and does it all by himself. Emotionally Ben and I waffle between loving the fact that he's capable of these kind of big boy things, and lamenting the fact that our baby boy has grown up so quickly. He's such a fun and sweet toddler and we're trying to savor each toddler moment!