Happy Birthday Jared!

by Melissa Evans (photos by Marissa Moss)

I can't believe Jared is three already. It was just five minutes ago, I swear, that we were in the hospital and he was about a day old when Wayne (in his nervous voice) said, "What are we going to name him." We had no names in mind, and hadn't even really talked about names in the 5 months since we found out he was a boy. So, I think it was the first name that came to me, I said, "how about Jared." Wayne liked it, so we went with it. It was never even a name we talked about! For his middle name we decided to use either Osborne or Alonzo. We called Grandma Evans for the tie- breaker, and well, everyone knows which name won! That's how Jared Alonzo Evans got his name. Poor kid, third boy in a row, we were boy- named out! Luckily Jared turned out being a good fit. Although, the last time we were at Brad's house for a family party, Jared ran to me crying and said, "that girl (Terra) called me Jared." Candi who was standing nearby, only heard the first part, got red in the face and asked, "What did she call you?" I had to explain that Jared thinks he's in trouble anytime someone calls him Jared. He's so used to Jare Bear. Then, we laughed about it!

Jared has always been a good boy. He has slept and eaten well since birth. With two older brothers, and us at his beck and call, he's been well taken care of to say the least. He is the baby of the family for sure! He loves to give hugs and kisses and is such a loving boy. And, he does love attention. If he has something to say and one of the other boys is talking he gets very upset and says, "be quiet, it's my turn to talk." He doesn't get into much trouble, I think because he watches the big boys and knows what not to do! However, this week, he thought that the new tube of blue toothpaste would be really fun to squeeze all over our bedroom floor. Chandler watched and called to me in his calm, nonchalant voice, "Mom, Jared is making a mess." When I saw it I was speechless. I picked him up and said, "that was so naughty," and put him in his bed. He didn't say a word, and was asleep within five minutes. But, I spent the next two hours cleaning our bedroom floor with the steam cleaner. When Wayne got home the next day and saw how good our floor looked, he jokingly said to Jared, "Next time, put the toothpaste on the stairs!"

Jared likes everything right now. He loves Legos, and Buzz Lightyear, and plays for hours everyday with his Batman and Batcave from Santa. He loves all the super heroes and loves to dress up like them. He loves all movies including the "big boy" movies like Harry Potter. He is pretty much fearless, and just laughs when the other boys are afraid of anything. If Jared could plan a diet he would want it to be a bowl of cereal for breakfast, one for lunch, fruit for a snack, and a cheeseburger for dinner. He will eat just about anything, but hates big meals. Jared's favorite color is blue. His favorite primary song is "Once There was a Snowman." He loves going to nursery, which he insists isn't nursery it's "primary." His best friend is Chandler (Rylan tries to parent him too much!) and anytime they fight, which is pretty often, he always gets really sad and wants to hug him and say sorry. He also loves books. He and Chandler love Dr. Seuss, and "educational books" and get annoyed because Rylan always wants Shel Silverstein! Jared is excited about having a baby sister around. He has been fascinated with babies ever since I've been pregnant. He likes to look at my belly and kiss it and talk into my belly button to the baby. He was even excited to get to go to my ultrasound appointment with me last week. We just hope he's as excited when she actually gets here! We love Jared and all the fun and love that he has added to our family! Happy Birthday Jared!