3 years old.

he made it to three without becoming a big brother.  my biggest baby.  i love him.  so. much.  my chubby. (except he's not really chubby anymore.)

he worked really hard at being able to get two fingers up to say that he was 2 years old.  and then he had to work at getting 3 fingers up. 

what's your name?
"TWO!" (holds up two fingers)
no, what's your NAME?
"xav."
my name....
"xavier aGUStin!" (often accompanied with an enthusiastic jump)
how old are you going to be?
(holds up three fingers)

he would point to his birthday on our calendar.  "that's my birthday, mom. it's a star wars birthday." yes, you had a star wars birthday, chubs.  his birthday was during vbs again this year, but he woke up early, got to open his first present (a star wars lego t-shirt that he promptly changed into), put on his birthday crown and sang along with me as i sang "happy birthday" to my baby baby boy. 

a couple months ago, i thought there was no way this kid would be ready to start school in the fall.  then all of a sudden he is speaking in many many sentences...and with reason. "owen is crying because ethan hit him.  but he's okay now because he has no more owwies. he fine."  last week eric told him that he was just so beautiful.  his reply: "i'm not a princess, you know." apparently boys are not allowed to be beautiful.  only princesses who are girls. 

he is anxious to learn his letters.  and numbers.  there is no differentiation yet...they are all letters.  it will be interesting to see how much this motivates owen to learn.

my favorite thing right now about xav is that he still gives hugs and kisses with great enthusiasm.  he'll plant a kiss on my cheek.  but kisses always come with...? "HUGS!" and then i get a big two arm hug from my baby boy.  my goodness, i cannot believe he is about to become a big brother.  he's ready.  "oh, mom.  baby anthony is in your belly?" he will be a good big brother, just like his kuyas are to him.