He has embraced being three and has some strong preferences about how to show how old he is with his fingers. The only method that is acceptable is holding up the pointer, middle and ring fingers. No other combinations equal three for Thad. His opinions are not limited to that though, Thaddeus feels strongly about lots of things like which spoons are best and how to cut apples into slices and why washing hands is a waste of time and what is appropriate to wear.

Turning three has brought some changes for our baby. He got a haircut that really changed his look, but the real change is in his attitude. He is a BIG boy; he is not a baby any more. He insists on fastening himself into his car seat. He loves Legos, but not the Duplo or anything designed for the under 5 crowd. He hates bedtime and naptime, and now sleeps on the floor exclusively. He also doesn't need diapers, since he is a big boy, except that he always wakes up with a very wet diaper (that we put on him when we go to bed, after he is asleep - some battles just aren't worth the effort.)

Thaddeus weighs about 31 pounds, which was verified several times shortly after his birthday when he slipped on a piece of paper and smashed his head into the coffee table, got stitches, knocked out the stitches, got glue, a black eye and then when the steri-strips were finally off, he picked off the scab.

So far, TJ seems to think that being three is three times the fun. I hope it's not three times the trouble too.

"I want what Josiah do.
Captain Underpants and Star Wars books, cars that watch and race track.
I want Santa, 2 Santas.
I want cake and hot chocolate.
I need more tennis shoes.
I want what Eila do.
I don't need a toilet."

So, when getting dressed this morning he asked for shorts and I went downstairs to find him a pair. When I came back with a pair of pants he balked:

"That's not funny, Daddy! No! I wear shorts. No pants. I no laugh."

Dad: "I love you, Thaddy"
Thaddeus: "No, I love Mommy!"

He talks very loudly all the time. ALL THE TIME. We checked out some books about quiet and loud and while he gets the idea, he can't seem to commit as fully to quiet like he does to loud. Thaddeus is pretty stubborn though whenever we remind him that he is too loud for inside or that he is screaming, which should be only for outside. He very consistently responds with the simple explanation of "That's my sound!"

Thaddeus tells lots of jokes. He loves to make everyone laugh. Josiah and Thad will run around crashing into things, pushing each other, and anything else for a good laugh. There is nothing better for an eruption of giggles than potty talk. I swear this was a more advanced skill with his siblings.

While lots of little boys like balls and trucks, and pretending, Thad seems to really enjoy sports that involve balls, like baseball, basketball, soccer, football, golf, and even hockey, he tells me, uses a ball and deserves his attention. In the house though, we only play pretend sports, so TJ will often instruct others where and how to stand and what to do then launch his imaginary ball and rejoice or show extreme irritation at the uncooperative other player. It's just like the real thing.

TJ is also potty trained and recognizes that diapers are for babies, but he is a big boy. He still wears a diaper to bed and often fights it because he is a big boy. When we try to remind his that big boys go to bed without whining or Mama's milk, he says: "I big boy baby." Not quite ready to do everything on his own just yet, but getting there.

And that's what he did.

After the story, he climbed down from the chair, walked into his room, climbed into his crib, and pulled the blanket over himself. And went to sleep.

Yes, the two year old put himself to sleep, and silently dozed off.

I think that was the first time I'd ever seen that. And I'm pretty sure it will be the last.

Thad seems to be a bit scared of bugs. He stands frozen, pointing and repeating, "bug" or "nant" over and over until someone saves him. He doesn't seem to be afraid of heights and likes to try to climb up wherever his big siblings are and join them. Nor does he seem to fear water, but enjoys turning it on every chance he gets.