A Letter to Our Son on His 4th Birthday
With guidance from our Summer Bucket List, our family has been having a lot of fun lately.
A road trip for lobster rolls... playground adventures... visits with grandparents (here and here)... an afternoon with the sprinkler... beach days.
Needless to say, June kept us very busy!
Now that July is here, we're focusing our attention on our youngest, who turns four today!
I usually spend a lot of time reflecting during the days leading up to each kid's birthday. But, for some reason, I find myself feeling very wistful ahead of his birthday. This is likely because he made life a little complicated in the weeks before he was born... and seeing how much he's grown since his time in the NICU has been amazing.
As he did last year, he came prepared for our discussion about what he wanted his birthday to look like. This year, he wants:
- vanilla cupcakes for his preschool class
- a special birthday dinner
- an ice cream cake like Daddy's birthday cake for dessert
We're also going to extend the birthday fun into the weekend by checking more things off our Summer Bucket List. It's hard to tell which member of the family is the most excited about it all!
Per tradition, I'm sharing this open letter to our son in recognition of his big day.
Dear JJ,
Four years old!
You've been waiting for your turn to have a birthday ever since March... when we hung the birthday banner up on the mantel in preparation for your sister's birthday. Your day is finally here, and we can't wait to celebrate the special little boy you are.
"Little"...
When I think about it, that word doesn't seem to fit anymore. To your sister, you'll always be her little brother. To Mama and Daddy, you'll always be our little guy. But there are so many things about you that are bigger than we could've ever imagined.
Things like...
- your appetite and willingness to try anything we put in front of you
- your ability to remember everything... and your knack for telling us the things we've forgotten
- your curiosity
- your hunger for books and the stories contained within them
- your drive to be just like your sister while doing everything yourself
- your love for your family and your eagerness to take care of us
This list goes on and on.
Your snuggle game is stronger than ever. Your smile is infectious and your dimples are lethal. Your comedic timing still leaves us sitting in awe while laughing until we cry.
My hope for you this next year is that you continue to feed your curiosity. Ask questions about the world around you, even if your sister has already asked them. Let your imagination soar and see where it takes you. And when you feel inspired to create something, do it. Because we love seeing your creations and hearing you explain them in painstaking detail.
For my part, I will continue to do everything in my power to nurture your mind as well as your heart.
I love you, sweet boy. Every day. All day.
Love,
Mama
-----
One year ago: A Letter to Our Son on His 3rd Birthday
Three years ago: How To: Make Apple Prune Purée for Babies
Four years ago: Weekend Reading {and a Pregnancy Update}
Five years ago: A Month of Dinners: Menu Plan for July
Six years ago: 26 Refreshing Summertime Beverages
Seven years ago: 46 Summer Picnic Recipes
Nine years ago: On the Side: Scenes from the Commute
Ten years ago: Feed Me Friday
Eleven years ago: More Than I Bargained for at Blue Fin
Twelve years ago: Grill More Than Just Your Meats
Like this post? Connect with me to find out when I post again. Find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, or sign up to receive updates via email!