Happy Birthday, Little Man!

Happy Birthday, J! I can't believe you are four years old today. I love you so much and I can't wait to spend many more birthdays with you. I'm still a little in shock that you are four already. At the same time, I sometimes have trouble believing that you just turned 4 today. I expect so much of you sometimes as you are my "big boy." But don't worry, you'll always be my baby too.

I love it when you get sweet and snuggly with me--even if you do seem to do it when I really should be doing something else. There is nothing in the world that feels nicer to me than holding you in my lap and feeling you relax into me like there is nowhere else you'd rather be.

I love it when you get so excited over the little things like the fact that your uncle called you Big Al or the mac n' cheese I made is the spiral kind that you "always like." I love the joy in your voice when you tell me all about the latest Diego episode or the Lego vehicle that you built.

I'm so proud of you when you do the little things like put on your own clothes, help N play with a new toy, or help take let Pepper in or out.

I love that you like to play with Legos and that you are so good at following the picture instructions. I can't wait until you start designing your own vehicles and structures.

I love how you can tell me about all the different animals on Diego and what they like and what animals they are afraid of.

I love watching you make new friends every time we got to a park or playground or McDonald's play area.

I love that you have finally realized that you can climb and slide and everything else when we go to play areas and playgrounds. The smile on your face when you do just makes my heart happy.

I love that you still love books with a passion and that you are continuously finding new books that you love. Books have always been such an important part of my life and I love sharing that with you. Our story times at rest time and bedtime bring me such joy.

I'm sad that you no longer want to nap, but I love that you are growing up and becoming more independent and adventurous. I can't wait until that carries over to your eating :).

You bring such joy to my life. Please know that the reason we butt heads is because we are so much alike. I hope you will one day decide that that is a good thing. In the mean time, please remember that I love you so much and think that you are one of the sweetest, smartest, most wonderful little people I know.

Happy Birthday, Little Man! I love you so much!