Happy 3rd Birthday Jakob!

I can't believe that a year ago today, Wayne and I were at a Russian Grocery Store trying to figure out what sort of cake we were actually buying for Jakob's birthday as it was all in Cyrillic and we only got to have a 20 minute birthday party with Jakob (a.k.a. Mian). It is also strange to think that last year he could not really understand anything we were saying (in English) and had no idea what a wild ride he was in store for. To see him today, how much he talks (and talks and talks) and the life he has is just amazing. What a blessing he is to us and we are to him.

Today Jakob enjoyed a trip to the zoo with Nana, Natalie and Jonas (Wayne and I were unlucky enough to have to work). We then went to Jakob's school at 3 PM armed with cookies, fruit salad, and juice boxes for all the kids in his class. They had the table decorated for him, balloons, and some gifts. Jakob was just so excited that he didn't eat anything and just talked (and talked and talked). Afterwards, we took Jakob, Jonas and Sebastian (Jakob's schoolmate) home in a wagon and Jakob enjoyed opening his many gifts (we decided to let him open anything we had at the house now vs. his party tomorrow as he will get plenty more). We then enjoyed Jakob's favorite meal of Spaghetti with meat sauce, croissant rolls and chocolate ice cream for dessert. He has had a really wonderful day and is looking forward to his party tomorrow at the Telus Science Centre (or Sinus Centre as he calls it) where he and his friends will get to watch an IMAX movie ("Living Sea") and enjoy pizza, cake and ice cream along with touring the exhibits. He had short friends and tall friends that will join him at this party (all ages) and we just can't wait.

Thank you to all of you who have sent birthday wishes to Jakob today (or in the mail). He really appreciates it!

We are anxious, excited, and nervous to see what this year will bring with Jakob as we hear boys at 3 are worse than at 2!!! He is already showing his strong-willed side that he has always had, but he also still has his very tender and dear side to him.

Anyway - signing off now to get some rest before the big birthday party!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAKOB....WE LOVE YOU!
Courtney, Wayne, Rosco and Bailey (and Nana, Natalie, and Jonas who are also here at the house)

Jonas, Sebastian, and Jakob on the ride home from school with Natalie pulling them

Jakob with his new doctor's suit and doctor's kit from Nana, Darrell, Oscar, Sydney, and Corkie

Jakob Blowing out his candles (with Mom, Dad, Nana, Natalie, Jonas, and Sebastian present)