This is 4.

He is simple. He is kind. He is gentle. He loves his daddy and trucks more than anything in this world. He has the best laugh. Doodlebugs fascinate him. He is eager to help, to dig, and to play. He asks the best questions all day long. He loves a good sunset. His favorite pajamas are the ones with fire trucks. He’s so proud when he makes a “W.” He always chooses the longest books to read at night. He’s never met a couch and a blanket he didn’t like. He lives for chocolate. He loves being outside. He takes a breath in the middle of a word and jumps back in at the same spot. He’s the first one awake by hours every morning. He brings me flowers all the time. He’s still trying to figure it all out. He asks questions like “Is I’m still 3?”  He tries so hard to be a good brother. He worries about people. He wants things to be “fair.” He is easily distracted, and he recovers like a puppy.

He makes my heart burst when I check on him at night and kiss his little blond head. He teaches me daily about love, goodness, and the simple joys of life. He is so very different than me, and I delight in all that I can learn from him. In him, I see his Daddy who I love so much. He reminds me every day what is good about the world and how important it is that he is protected from what is not. He deepens my faith. He asks questions about God that only God can answer. I see miracles through his eyes.

He is easy, and he is tender. An absolute joy to parent. I still can’t believe he is mine. He is a ray of sunshine heaven sent in the cutest little boy. He is mine. And today he is 4.

Find the joy,

Jessica

Jessica McCauley, M.Ed. is a parenting coach/consultant. She draws on her background as a Montessori educator and Child Life Specialist to help families navigate the challenges of the early childhood years. Contact Jessica at http://smallhandsbigsteps.com/contact/ for more information or to schedule a consultation.