To our son on his 4th Birthday

Today you turn four years old. This last year has been one of tremendous growth and development. You have amazed me and your father with your ability to understand the world and the people that make it up. Many of our friends refer to you as an “old soul” and when I looked up the definition of an “old soul” tonight, I felt the chills run up and down my spine. I don’t think there could be a more fitting description of your personality.

Definition of the phrase “Old Soul” – Wise beyond your years, Nurturing, Caring, Kind Hearted, Not Naive, Relaxed, Displays Empathy and Great Understanding of all things.

You are wise way beyond your years. When we found out you were getting a new baby brother or sister we asked you which one you would prefer. Your response was “I already know it’s a baby sister and that makes me happy.”

You are the most nurturing and caring person we know. Those qualities really shined last year when I was pregnant and on bed rest with your baby sister. You would come into the hospital at night and lay beside me as we listened to Meredith’s heartbeat on the monitor. You would giggle when you heard her move around. And before you would leave to go back home with Daddy you would give me a hug and kiss and then kiss my belly and say “I love you Meredith.”

From the moment Meredith was born you have been by her side helping to take care of her. You soothe her cries, protect her from any harm, and share all your toys. More than once a day I find you in the crib with her making her laugh after she wakes up from a nap. I wish I could record the “conversations” you have with her not knowing that I am listening to you on the baby monitor. They are priceless.

You love your friends and are always wanting “everyone” to come over for a play date. You do not like for anyone to feel left out and are always very socially aware of your friend’s feelings and actions when you are playing together.

You do not like making me or Daddy upset. We are rarely disappointed in you but the few times that we have expressed disappointment in some behavior or action you were broken hearted and disappointed in yourself.

But Ninety-five percent of the time you are happiest, most fun loving child we know. Though you are sometimes cautious you are not afraid to try new things (even foods now...with a little bribery of course). You love to be around your family and friends.

You have the most amazing and creative imagination. One minute you are Spiderman jumping from one couch to another and the next minute a fierce Knight saving Princess Meredith from a fire breathing Dragon.

So, Happy Birthday to our “best friend!” You are and always will be our sunshine!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

PS. We have heard that the fourth year is one of the best. We are looking forward to it because the third year has been pretty awesome with our little guy!