I can't believe I am the mother of a four year old. FOUR! It feels like just yesterday this Chubby-Bubby was scooting around the house.
Happy 4th Birthday, Bud.
The last year was filled with many adventures: Potty training, camping, hikes, Legoland, Sea World, festivals (and every other type of free family fun one could imagine), and a few firsts: sledding (Mt Laguna), gymnastics and swimming lessons.
Hayden started moving soon after your 3rd birthday and you have held the Best Big Brother in the World title ever since. You never complain that we moved her into your room and listening to you calm her down before bed makes my heart melt. You call for us when she's on the dining room table and you pull her back if she's 50 feet from the road. You're always trying to teach her words and show such joy when she learns something new. Your love and patience for her is beyond anything I could've hoped for.
Three was fun but a tad rough at spots. It was expected and I'm convinced it should be Terrible 3's not 2's. You learned to communicate and reason, and it was a hard concept to grasp that just because you wanted to do something it didn't mean you could. We are pretty lucky though - The battles were few and far between, and I think those days are behind us. You've started taking naps again and afternoons are much easier on everyone. Four is going to be incredible. Your love of life and adventure makes every day fun and we can't wait for the new traditions and memories ahead.
Sweet, creative, kind-hearted, athletic, curious, goofy, chatty around those you love... You're the best. Keep smiling and laughing, and always remember that we're here for you no matter what.
Love you to the moon and back,
Mama
Likes: Holidays, running, trucks and cars (especially fire trucks, Smart cars, "Super" cars (Mazdas), Beetles and Mini Coopers), being tickled, counting to 70, walking the toy aisles at Target/seeing cars at CVS, showing us fancy tricks (your "super speed", how high you can jump and how you can stand on one foot), haircuts (due to the lollipops), rising before the sun, "special treats" (indoor playgrounds/zoo/parks), soccer, and talking (about anything - everything, really. You explain every move you make whether it's a parade you're creating, or that you've simply put two Legos together).
Dislikes: That you and sugar don't mix, swings, trying new food, "naughty" kids at the playground, #16 (you always forget it!), and time-outs. You don't get them often but when you do... The whole neighborhood knows!
Favorites:
TV Shows - Max & Ruby, Paw Patrol, Berenstain Bears, Agent Oso and Peppa Pig
Food - Plain noodles, graham crackers, goldfish, chips, fries, bananas, plain toast, peanut butter bread, "people" mac-n-cheese (shapes) and "crunchy" pizza
Restaurant - Subway ("yellow store") and Souplantation ("noodle store")
Songs - Loves to rock out to
Call Me Maybe, Moves Like Jagger, and
I Love It (Icona Pop)
Recent Quotes:
We were driving to the recycling center and I took a different route than usual.
Cole: Where are you going?
Me: Recycling.
Cole: This is the long way...
Me: Maybe a little longer, but we'll get there.
Cole: You're a woman driver.
Me: What?!
Cole: Ha!! Uncle Tim teached me that.
There's a chicken nugget coming for a visit.
Me: Daddy is in Las Vegas.
Cole: Daddy is LOST?!
See Hayden, this is why you can't have sugar.
How about we call Wyatt's new sister Birthday Cake. Or Ham.
Let's get a lot of trees. Then we can get presents under ALL of them.
Hayden, you have to wear your seat belt so we don't get into an accident. If you get hurt, we will get a new baby.
Your Special Day:
You thought we created a car wash for you...
It was a busy one. You decided every detail and were thrilled that Daddy left work at noon - Playground, lunch (chips) at Which Wich, and chips and noodles for dinner. We surprised you with Jungle Bells at the zoo and ice cream cupcakes!
Hope you remember this day forever, Bubby - I know we will!
