My Baby Is Turning Four

I used to crrrrrrry when they were tiny because they were “growing up!” Little did I know it was just going to be different; not worse or sad, just different.

Every stage is better than the last in my opinion. Michael at four is more fun than Michael at two. This might change when he becomes a teenager, but right now there’s just a lot more personality and boy to love.

Brenden is so good about helping me keep these things in perspective. He reminds me that the reason these years are so special and sweet is because kids don’t stay young. They do grow up. If they stayed young forever their childhood wouldn’t be special… It would just be a static reality.

I’m glad they grow up. What a rich journey of depth and relationship we get to experience with them!

And this boy… I can’t even. He keeps me on my very tippy-toes.

Every morning I hear “I’m donnnnne” from the direction of Michael’s room. I go in I see him laying in his bed, sleep sack on (because he kicks his covers off at night) eyes half open, and in need of some serious coffee. Or cuddles.

He’s not a morning person at all. It takes a lot to convince him that it’s going to be a good day. Usually some peanut butter on toast and a big hug will help do the trick.

He’s been practicing holding up four fingers… I remember with a little twinge when it was only this many.

He loves his sister so much. Somehow he still calls her “B-elle” (without the “r” sound.) I’ve never corrected him and I never will.

He loves chocolate and any kind of meat. ” I want meat mommy.” Is his most common request.

He loves preschool. Next year he’ll attend five mornings a week, and then he’ll be home with Brielle and I for homeschool!

He loves to beat-box and make noises with his mouth in general. I don’t know where he got it, but it’s so fun to listen to and it makes him sooo happy to sing!

One day we were looking at the sky and we saw the most incredible cloud. It was as tall as the horizon and looked like stacked mountains; light from the sun cascading everywhere around it and through it. It didn’t look real. We marveled at the cloud and from that day when we see a big fluffy cloud we say “There’s our cloud!” It’s so special to have that with him. Age 2

At bedtime: “Mommy why is the sidewalk flat?” Age 3

At the beach standing on a pile of sand: I am king of the world and I’m tired. And then starts to walk away and I said Michael where are you going? And he said “im going anywhere.” – Age 3

At bedtime: “Mommy can you rub my back 88? Because 88 is a long time.” – Age 3

One night when he was going to sleep he yelled “Mommy!!!!” I went into his room and he said “Want to be on my team??” I have no idea where that came from but of course my answer was Yes. “I will always be on your team Michael.” Heart cracked in half. – Age 3

Me: “Michael you are so cute I can’t believe your mine”.
Michael: “I’m yours and daddy’s.” – Age 3

Michael woke up too early one morning and I said “Michael, it’s 2am, time to go back to sleep… it will be morning soon.” And he said “No, it will take too long to get here.” Then he said “Can we just we drive there??” Then of course I had to climb into his bed and rub his back. – Age 3

I brought them popcorn on the couch while they were watching a movie and I said “Enjoy!” And he said, “Can you say ‘bon appetit?'” – Three days ago

“Duration of pink” is a song and title he made up. – Age 2.5

Whenever we see a yellow school bus he says “There’s Miss Fritter.” (Cars III) Age 3

Me: “Kohr Brothers opens tomorrow and we’ll go get ice cream!”
Michael: “And this is tomorrow.”
Me: “No, it’s today.”
Michael: “No it’s tomorrow.” – Age 3

So many favorite pictures:

Michael James Grace we love you so much. Happy almost Birthday. I can’t wait to see your eyes light up when it’s your turn to have a birthday cake and song.