Dear Peanut,

Happy Birthday! Today you are four years old. It seems like just yesterday you were a tiny, fragile little preemie and now you are such a big boy. I can’t wait to get home from work to sing happy birthday and watch you open your presents from Daddy, Bean, and me. You were asleep when I left this morning, so I kissed the top of your head and whispered “Happy birthday” into your ear.

You amaze me with all the things you have learned. You know most, if not all, of the alphabet and can sing the ABC song with little prompting. (Although you don’t like to sing – I think you get embarrassed.) You know how to turn on the computer and which icons and CDs go with each of your games – the games that have really helped you in learning your letters. You can yank open the fridge (with a bit of effort) to grab a slice of cheese or hand me the carton of OJ (still your favorite). You still come up with cute names for things. The other day you wanted to wear your “tip top” shirt. It took a little while for me to understand you were asking for your tank top.

You are a wonderful big brother. I’m in awe of how gentle and loving you are toward Bean. Yes, you do get loud and overzealous with your kisses, but you really do love him. You’re quick to pick up a dropped binky or chewie toy and hand it back to him. You love to clown around and make him smile and giggle.

Happy birthday, Sweetpea. May you have many, many more.

I love you,
Mommy