Chugga Chugga Chehaw!

Today I spent my morning hanging out with my favorite 3 year old at our local zoo (yes, Albany has a zoo). It was a spur of the moment decision because after watching the same "Dora" episode for the 6th time I knew we had to get out of the house.

Parks at Chehaw is really a great little zoo to take the family because it's small but big enough to keep your little (or big) ones occupied for several hours. We spent about an hour and a half checking out the snakes, frogs, lizards, pigs, miniture horses, alligators, wolves, flamingos and the big Rhino. We didn't even walk through the entire Zoo because Brody was anxious to ride the train and I could tell his little tank was about empty.

I bought our ticket for the train and he was beside himself with joy. We had to wait a few 10 minutes before we could board the cute little train and he grew more excited as we were able to hear the whistle and bell in the distance. Finally after swatting gnats for longer than I cared to we hopped aboard and went for a ride throughout the park. It was a nice breeze and Brody was smiling ear to ear. My heart pratically melted (not from the heat) when he looked at me, held my hand and said so sweetly "Look Momma, it's not scary".

TALK ABOUT WANTING TO CRY!!!!!!

In that very moment it hit me that my little boy is growing into a big boy. Even though his Birthday was this past Sunday and his party was on Saturday it really didn't hit me that he was "older". It took riding a little train and having some precious one on one time with him for it to really sink in. Good thing it was hotter than hell outside because my tears were masked by sweat rolling down my face and neck.

If I am this emotional over a simple train ride then I am not so sure how well I will hold up for those "big, monumental" birthdays.

My baby is growing up and as much as I want him to be a "big boy" there is a part of me that still needs to be telling him....."Look baby, it's not scary.".