Dear Zealand,
You have been waiting for this birthday with bated breath. The months leading up to your birthday were full of anticipation. Not for the gifts, although you were excited about race cars, but for the thrill of finally being four.
In the months leading up to four you really did seem to come into your own. You fell into a nice, easy flow with preschool where my departure was barely registered - although you always have a kiss and a hug for me when I say goodbye. You wash your hands and then head out to your playground where your friend Andrew is usually already there pushing dump trucks through the sand. The two of you often start the day pushing trucks together.
You have developed a strong attachment to one of your preschool friends, Hudson so when he arrives it is a big deal. The two of you run around the playground acting like run away trains. You have called Hudson your best friend and you have stated that you would like to marry him. After one day of play the two of you kissed each other over and over again while giggling. It was a funny sight to behold.
The two of you have developed a routine at pick up where you climb on top of the play structure and sing out "we won't come down." You both think this is hilarious.
Another close preschool friend is Dashiel. Dash loves race cars and I think he might have been the one to plant the seed of your current obsession. We have had lots of play dates with Dash and the two of you have a great sync to your play - pushing race cars down slides, playing in puddles and making lots of dramatic car boy noises. It is sort of a wordless dance of easy play together. You really have a nice time.
In the mornings, for awhile now, you race out of bed (our bed - you have been sleeping in our bed for about a year now; we put you down in your own bed and as early as 1 am you join us, or I should say me - you climb in on my side and make yourself right at home) and tear off your diaper so you can pick out your outfit for the day. It is warm enough now where you can pretty much wear shorts and tee shirts every day. You love shorts and teeshirts. You wore this outfit through much of the Winter as well. It takes a lot for you to get cold.
You love clothes and underwear. You especially love your Star Wars teeshirt and your racetrack teeshirt. You had been a Thomas the Train underwear guy but in the past six months with the new race car fascination your one hand me down pair of Cars underwear became The Pair. You like to wear all of your underwear backwards so that the picture is on the front. We bought you a pack of Cars underwear for your birthday and it was definitely a favorite gift of yours.
You also put your clothes away at the end of the day. Such a clothes horse you are. You also make your bed in the morning and are very proud of your new habits.
A few days before you turned four we talked about the importance of sleeping in your own bed now that you are four. You really seemed to take it all in. And now you are sleeping in your own bed every night. You are so stubborn and strong willed, but I will say, when you are ready you do exactly as you should.
You have reached a steady state at the moment. Potty training is a thing of the past. And, you race to the toilet at your own accord and you wash your hands without prompting. I wonder if I will someday miss the loud "Mama wipe my bottom" booming from the bathroom?
You enjoy helping out. You like watering plants and gardening with Ami and dada. A precious image I have in my brain is one of you and your dada mowing the lawn together. Duane is pushing his manual lawnmower across our huge, bumpy wild lawn and you are following him pushing your small red wheelbarrow in front of you.
Bikes and scooters have receded a bit into the background. Friends and race cars have taken center stage. Park play dates, sandbox play, and building things. You have always had a knack for building - you have inherited your father's talent. You still build elaborate race car tracks and now you are into building loopy race tracks with jumps, etc. Also, towers and various structures.
Also, in the past few months or so you have shown a curiosity for letters. You are now asking which letters various words start with and I am starting to go over sounds as well. You continue to love stories and your attention span is impressive. We started Charlotte's Web and got through the first 40 pages or so. It gave me a glimpse into the future of reading chapter books to you.
You love sweets and carbs. Pancakes and waffles are a favorite as well as muffins, cake and ice cream. Cake and ice cream are once in awhile treats but homemade baked good are rolled out frequently in our household. You love to partake.
Through it all, the valleys and mountains of development, you are a love bug. You are very attached to your mama and I am spoiled daily with "I love yous", enormous crushing bear hugs, sloppy wet kisses, cuddles, and the like.
You are an active, athletic, fun four year old boy. And, you are also sensitive, sometimes shy, funny, sometimes difficult, and a tough negotiator. And, you are always changing.
You are also a big brother. Although you can sometimes abuse your power - grabbing toys from Avery and being less than generous with your toys you are also protective of your sister. And, you find ways to play with her. She is lucky to have you and you are lucky to have her to teach you lessons of patience, love, and care with someone smaller and younger than you are. The two of you have your own world that you have co-created. You will play together for hours - giggling, talking things out, and occasionally crying and fighting.
We are so proud of you. You are such a sweet, special little guy. Always our first born, our first entry into the world of parenthood with all of the sweat, blood and tears. And, love. Lots of love. You were the first to make me a mother. I am so blessed to have you as my son.
Happy 4th birthday!
Love,
Mama
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