And then he was 4!!!

Dear Reid,

Well here I am again, a whole year later, wishing you a happy birthday. How in the world you are already 4, I'll never understand! This year has flown by and you are blossoming in to such a handsome little guy. Your personality continues to thrive with your infections giggle and smile that could turn the saddest frown face in to a smile. You live life hard Reid. You're independent and stubborn and drive me crazy some days as you think that rules are meant to be broken, lol. But you're also so sweet Reid. The way you sweetly take your hands and rub my face and hands, baby boy you are going to make a girl melt some day a looonnngggg time from now. You have the sweetest little voice and are able to make the most of whatever situation you are in.

Year 4 has been BIG, as in you learned some big boy things! The most recent and probably the most memorable is you learning how to ride a two-wheeled bike a few weeks back. What an amazing accomplishment Reid, a big passage way in to childhood and I couldn't be more proud of you. You also started preschool this year, and what a joy to see you own this part of your life. You love preschool and thrive in the setting!  It has been so fun watching you get your own friends, and not just playdates with mommy's friends or micah's friends. You are a leader Reid, and I pray you are able to hone those skills in and use them for good. Other kids look up to you and you bring them chaos and laughter and fun. They want to be where you are (most of the time...) and I love watching you play with your friends.  You also started your first soccer class this past spring and I think you're going to enjoy it. You've had a little bit of time watching Micah so I'm sure that has helped with the game knowledge. I still look at you and think you are "all boy" as you are so clumsy, dirty, stinky and smelly.

You and Gemma have really formed a sweet bond this year and it melts my heart to watch it. Your only time together, consistently, is from 12:30-1 when Micah's gone for school an before your nap times. What a sweet pair you have been to watch interact. You love making her laugh and work hard to be successful at it. Micah...your big brother whom you look up to and love to fight with but also love to play with almost all.day.long. You miss him dearly when he's at school and run up to him when the bus drops him off every day yelling, "Micah!" As a mom, I always envisioned my kids being close and I think it's safe to say that is true. Now it's just a matter of time to see where that goes from here.

We love you Reid. Thank you for bringing such joy and feistiness and love and loudness to our family. I can't imagine a day without you being right next to me and I hope you've had an amazing birthday feeling loved and special. Four buddy, you are four!!!

Love,
Mommy

(dr stats: height - 3'6", 83%; weight - 37lb4oz, 60%; BMI - 14.84 kg/m2, 23%)