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My 30th birthday - CJ chose Applebee's

And Chad is such a good dad because on his recent trip back to Duke University to watch basketball games, he took these pictures for his son.

Today started out with CJ waking me up around six-ish because he just really needed some Fresca (something Nana got him hooked on).

So then I got to clean out Mac's dog run in the pouring rain because he chewed up his roof (don't ask me how) and was making so much noise that Trey wouldn't take his morning nap. That's always fun.

Then we picked up Chad at the airport because he's finally home. And CJ insisted on eating at Applebees for lunch because "he needed a steak."

"You've never had steak," I said.

"That's why we need to go to Applebees, so I can try a steak." He replied with all the impatience of a 15 year-old. Duh.

Then I ran some errands ALONE which was nice seeing as I've done every ounce of Christmas shopping with two kids in tow.

Then I was presented with a Krispy Kreme donut with candles on it.
 I look at these three people
and realize I'm in an amazing place for being 30.   Tonight I was rocking Trey to sleep he turned his fat little face into mine and gave me big, wet 11 month-old kisses. Then he snuggled his blankie while laying on my shoulder and went to sleep. The best ever.

We've been busy

making gingerbread houses with the neighbors,

watching Christmas movies,
playing in the snow,



And constantly being reminded by Mac that he loves me which is good since Chad's been out of town since I don't remember when.

CJ's new favorite thing is eating on a tray. He was sick a while ago so I propped him up on the big chair and let him have his lunch on it. Now it's the only way he wants to eat. And because he fell on a toy garbage truck and got a black eye, then fell on the neighbor's doll house and cut the inside of his mouth, he gets to eat on the tray in the playroom with a movie from the library.

CJ delivered neighbor presents and all along the way sang me Christmas songs. Then he said, "Mom, I love Christmas. I just love delivering things at Christmas. And getting things, too."

Today at Costco, a garbage man sat by us and CJ went right over to this guys side and started grilling him with questions.

"Do you recycle? What color is your truck? Is it smelly? Do you drive or ride on the back? Is it in the parking lot? It's fun, huh?" Then, "I love garbage like you. I'm going to be a garbage truck worker like you - only I want to be the guy on the back throwing in the trash, not the driver."

It was a good day.

B r O t H e R s

There is nothing I have found more fulfilling than watching my two boys interact. Never once has CJ hit, pushed, hurt or done anything even remotely mean to Trey. In fact, he is quick to share toys with him instead of take them away.

Anything CJ is doing Trey wants to do, too. He laughs when CJ laughs.