My Baby is 4!!

(Tyler-2 days old)

My "baby" is 4 years old today!! I know, I know, you've heard it a thousand times, but seriously....WHERE have the years gone? I feel like he was just born, I remember it all so well, so vividly. It's been such an adventure getting to know my "guy", being his Mama and watching him grow from a newborn into a toddler and now a little boy! I think what has surprised me the most over the years is that he may look just like his Daddy, but he is the male form of me!! I understand him, I just "get" him and I think I have patience for his little ways because I sort of know what's going on inside him, (most of the time)! This year he has, in my eyes, really transitioned from a toddler into a little boy, a young man in the making. I see him understanding what I tell him, being able to respond to me and to others. I see a true sincerity in him when interacting with others. Someday, should you call our home, you will be greeted with quite the joyous hello from him. He'll act as though he hasn't talked to you in years, (even if he just saw you yesterday). He really values the people around him, (even though he may fight with his best friends: his brother Luke and his cousin Chase)! He genuinely ENJOYS people and would be with his "friends" all day, every day if allowed. His imagination and pretend play has blossomed before my eyes over the past 6 months. I will say he has always had a pretend world with his beloved Thomas the tank engine. It's going on two years now and his favorite past time continues to be playing with his trains. Here he is playing Doctor with Luke. I heard them in there the other day, Tyler saying to his patient, "now push, puuuuuuuuuuush". Yeah, I think he watches "The Baby Story" on TLC a bit too much with me!! Lately he's really been cracking me up: We have a CD that has all sorts of songs on it and the one song sings about Argentina. "TINA! Oh Mama, that song is about Owen's Mom, Tina" he informs me!! Then there is a song that says "abracadabra", "Oh Mama, that song is about my cousin Deborah!" Cracking me up. Our neighbor Ginny was here the other day and Tyler just blatantly said, "Oh, you have breasts too!" (I wanted to crawl under the couch!!!!) Instead I kindly said with a half smile, "he's learning all sorts of new things since his sister was born!" um, yeah!

Tyler really is a sweet kid. I heard him this morning, "good morning Lukie, it's a beautiful day sweetheart, want to go downstairs with me?" I mean, who wouldn't want to wake up to a greeting like THAT??

Oh, Tyler, you are so loved! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!! I am so grateful to be your Mom, to have these years to enjoy and discover who you are. Thank you for giving me the grace I need as I learn all about this mothering thing!! I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK AGAIN!

"A young child is, indeed, a true scientist,
just one big question mark. What? Why? How?
I never cease to marvel at the recurring miracle of growth,
to be fascinated by the mystery and wonder of this brave enthusiasm."
~Victoria Wagner~