Dear Johnny,
Today you are four years old. I don't know where the time has gone. In fact, I cannot even remember my life without you in it. Your dad tells me that we had a lot more time to do things (such as sleep), but again, Mommy's memory doesn't go back that far. Four years ago I had no idea how much I still had to learn. And you, my sweetheart, have taught me so much. You've taught me how to truly laugh and see the silliness and joy in life. You've taught me what patience really is. You've taught me what it means to love someone "all the way to the moon and back". And, my son, please know how much I love you and that I would do anything for you.
Even as I look forward to everything you will do as a four-year-old, I do not want to forget who you were at three. At three years old, you love to learn and ask questions. "Why?" and "What?" are some of your favorites. You love to talk- and I do mean love it. I often wonder if there is some sort of word limit you are trying to hit each day. You can chatter on about anything. Most days I feel like you are narrating my life for me. Your vocabulary is incredible. You love books. Your favorite TV shows are Mickey Mouse, Phineas and Ferb, and Handy Manny. You love going to the movies- and you think the 3D glasses are really cool.
Trucks, cars, and trains are still some of your favorite things. Legos are also a new favorite. You love to build with your dad. You love to help me in the kitchen. When you want to help you ask me for your "aprint". "Apron" is one word you have trouble pronouncing. You are incredibly proud of the meals you help me create. Pizza is your favorite food. You put ketchup on everything. Although you are not an adventurous eater by any means, you love guacamole. Your favorite dessert is vanilla ice cream- plain with nothing on it. You also like vanilla italian ice.
You love animals, especially Haley, Toby, and Indy- you like to feed them for me. You love to help me around the house. (I will enjoy it while it lasts.) Putting laundry in the washer for me is one of your favorite ways to help. You are energetic. And upbeat. Instead of saying "yes" you say "yep". Your smile warms my heart.
This past year, you finally said goodbye to pull-ups. You are a big boy now, and you are so proud. And I am proud of you. You ride a bike and are learning how to write your letters. You are in preschool now. Your teacher describes you as "curious" and "full of energy."
Perhaps the biggest thing that changed in your life this past year was that you became a big brother. You are an amazing big brother to Sophia. Although you aren't much for holding her yet, you are always looking out for her. You try to play with her and entertain her. And you love to lay next to her when she is on her play mat. I love it when you give her kisses. It comforts me to know that the two of you will always have each other.
You will always be my baby no matter how old you are. I love you with all my heart, or as Pop Pop used to say to me when I was little, "Ten times in groups of a million." Happy 4th Birthday, my little squirrel. I can't wait to see what this year will bring!
Love,
Mommy
Here's a look back at the past year...
Enjoying a cupcake at your 3rd birthday party.
Fun in the snow.
With Daddy in St. Augustine.
Scootin' on the boardwalk in St. Augustine.
Exploring the beach in St. Augustine.
Feeding the seagulls.
You love alligators!
Like I said, you LOVE alligators!
And trains! You love those, too!
Riding the drop tower at Hershey Park.
First time on your new bike!
At the beach.
First go-cart ride with Daddy!
You and your baby sister.
My waterbug...
Foam pit @ AJ and Kaitlyn's party.
At the farm.
You love roller coasters!
