Turner is three!

Last Friday was a big day. It was the day Turner turned three!

We couldn't wait to kick off the celebration, so at bedtime Thursday night, Turner opened his first gift. It was a Big Hugs Elmo, from Grandma and Grandpa. Turner was so excited, after playing with him for a while, he took Elmo to bed with him.

The next morning, Turner awoke to more birthday celebration. We all yelled "Happy Birthday" when we woke up, and he was greeted by three Elmo balloons and his gifts from Mom and Dad when he went downstairs. He found a high chair and stroller for his fish and other stuffed animals, along with lots of other goodies. He also opened an Elmo train set and a new bike helmet from Oma.

Turner spent the day playing with his new toys, doing a new yoga video (after announcing, "I need a yoga mat."), then Mom and Hazel took him out to lunch at P. Terry's.

After a failed attempt at a nap, we picked up a cake and Turner's weird birthday dinner request, "hot dogs at home." After dinner and cake (he blew all the candles out in one attempt), Turner opened more birthday gifts, this time from Bubbe, Aunt Laurie and Uncle Jonathan, Grandma and Grandpa, and Uncle Daniel. He now has a total of four Elmos, who he carries with him everywhere. They are all different shapes and have different skills. He's also pretty excited about all the new bath toys he has to play with, the building in his future with Duplos and Lincoln Logs, and all the yoga adventures he can now have. 

At the end of the day, Mom gave him an Elmo shirt to wear the next morning for his party. He insisted on putting it on immediately, then wouldn't take it off at bedtime.

Hazel with her fun "Elmo" cupcake.

Saturday was another great day because that was when we had Turner's big birthday party. We had lots of great breakfast food, and Mom put out stuff for us to do while the grownups talked: rainbow rice to play with, homemade sidewalk paint, frisbee golf, bubbles, and pin the nose on Elmo. We also had a great time smacking a pinata and decorating cupcakes to look (sort of) like Elmo. It was great spending the morning with all our good friends, and Turner opened even more presents after they left.


Sunday we took it easy, then Monday Turner wrapped up his birthday celebrations with a little muffin party at school. He liked celebrating with his friends and teacher there, and especially liked a crown Ms. Kate made him.

Today was the unfortunate part of any birthday, the well visit at the doctor. Turner didn't mind it that much. He really hammed it up, making lots of jokes with the nurse. She asked him if he is a girl or boy, and he kept cracking up while insisting he is a girl. He also liked Dr. Dan's hammer used to test his reflexes. After Dr. Dan checked Turner's knees with it, he gave Turner the hammer. Turner used it to check out Mom's knees. He said her reflexes are okay.

Turner with his teacher, Ms. June

Dr. Dan also told us Turner is a big guy. He now weighs 36 pounds (85th percentile!) and is 37 inches tall (75th percentile). You can see his latest growth chart on the right side of the blog or by clicking here.

At the end of the appointment, the nurse gave Turner one shot. He was playing with his LeapPad while she gave it to him and barely even looked up. He didn't cry at all, just asked if it was time to get a sticker yet. Mom was very proud of how well he did. He was in good spirits and wasn't scared the whole time.