Four Years Old (and Nine Years In)

Dear Tad,

Happy 4th birthday to you! And given the least bit of encouragement, you will probably sing the Happy Birthday song for yourself today!

So much has changed in a single year. First, all of your bones are currently whole and unbroken and uncasted at the moment – which, after two consecutive summers of broken limbs, is a major accomplishment. Second, I seem to have looked up my post on your birthday from last year and discovered that you had not yet given me a name. Let me say now that I am quite happy to be your “Mama.”

And your language, Tad. So much has changed there that it’s hard for me to describe to those who don’t hear you talk regularly. To simply say that you are becoming capable of expressing your own opinion simply doesn’t seem to grasp the scope of how much you have changed in a single year. You can now ask questions – “Mama, what you doing?” “What’s dat, Mama?” “Mama, what you eating?” You can sing songs. You can quote movies. You can tell off and tattle on your sister.

We’re still working on the concept of colors – though we know that you know the color red, and that it is your most favorite color – probably because it is the color of Lightning McQueen. Oh, and your Cars mania has only lifted a little – mostly because you now have other manias like Star Wars and the Muppets.

And that pesky potty training. I’m betting that you’ll have a much better grip on it come next year. In the meantime, we’ll be working on it, and I have stockpiled the fruit snacks.

Still, nothing beats hearing straight from your mouth, “Oh, Mama, I love you, Mama.”

Your Mama loves you too, big boy. I can’t believe that four years have passed so quickly. May each day of this next year bring new discoveries and learning experiences for you, along with new words and concepts and skills.

I love you so very much, Tad. Happy 4th Birthday!

Love,
Mama

******

And let it not be forgotten that before this day was Tad’s birthday, it was the Webmaster’s and my wedding anniversary! Nine years later, and we’re still here, together, raising these kids and surviving day by day.

I love you, Webmaster. Happy 9th Anniversary!

PS – The traditional gift is pottery or china, which is a win for me! I’ll take an IOU and get back to you later. 😉

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 12th, 2009 at 2:30 am and is filed under Children, Husbands, Mommyhood.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed and Both comments and pings are currently closed.