Oh me oh my..... you turned four yesterday. Unbelievable. It's all such a blur, and looking at you, especially in pictures, you look so grown up and so big. You've learned so many new things, and experienced so much this year.
The big three:
1. Preschool... .I started you out in preschool last year during the summer, before Megan came, since she was due Labor Day and I didn't want so much upheaval all at once for you. You, of course, did fabulous, making new friends right away and loving your teachers. The first two weeks were a little shaky, with tears in the morning and protests and questions- "Why can't I stay home with you Mommy?" it broke my heart, and made me want to hold you so tight, but every day when I picked you up you were so happy and excited to talk about your day. You started again in the fall, with new teachers, and I didn't really care at all for the teachers, and you weren't loving school nearly as much, so I made the tough, but in the end, best decision to switch schools mid year. The director and teachers there were (are) great, and you once again were back to loving school. You went two days a week for your first year, and this fall will start going *sniff* three from 8:15-11:15.
2. A baby sister...
You were one of the last in our little circle of friends to get a sibling, so I had had the oppurtunity to see the reactions and feelings your friends experienced when a new little one came and turned their world upside down. We talked A LOT about Megan- I had read that you should wait to start talking about the baby until shortly before the birth, but you are such a planner, and I learned long ago everything goes better with you with forewarning of coming events, and much talk about it before hand. 
We went to a sibling class at the hospital two months before Megan came, and went to BAB to make a bear for your sister for you to bring to the hospital (you were, and still are, SO proud of it!!), and read many books about it. From the moment Megan arrived, I really don't know what I was ever worried about, because you were the big brother and she was simply the little sister, as if it had always been that way. You're protective of her, and proud of her, and love to make her laugh. As she's getting older, that love of pestering each other is definitely starting to show from both of you, but I know there's nothing you wouldn't do for Megan, and she couldn't be blessed with a better big brother.3. Our new house.... once again, I talked and talked about it with you- we asked your opinion on the houses we went and looked at, and you started pointing out random houses driving down the road, saying you'd like that one to be your new house. The only time there was a glitch is when it came to packing up your stuff- you didn't want me to pack any of your toys up, and I had to keep explaining I had to in order for them to come with us. But once at our new home, you fell in love with it instantly- you love the stairs, and you love your bedroom... and especially love being able to ride your bike outside all the time now right in front of the house. I'm so happy you're happy, and I look forward to watching you grow up in our new home.
We've had our ups and downs this year- the year of 'whys' and the testing of the boundaries- you're such a chatterbox ALL THE TIME and it can be trying at times. I'm working on it though, and it seems we're getting past the constant battle of the wills now.
You're at the age now where the mommies don't have to referree with your friends- you guys can go play for hours and we never hear a peep except lots of laughing. You have some great buddies that you adore.
You still love to dress up- anytime, in just about anything. One of these days I'm going to do a layout on all the costumes you have. It's hilarious.
You started karate a couple of months ago, and you love it. I love it. It's been great for you. You thrive off of it, and get so excited when you go. You love Mr. Henderson and your manners have definitely improved since you started going.
There's so many other experiences this year.... first official dentist appointment, first (and second) swim lessons, first vacation bible school, Sea World, the river trip with all your buddies, Astros games, Sesame Street live, the zoo, the children's museum, many Mud Pie trips, our trip to Fort Worth, Nana & Papa and U. Nathan and U. Joseph visiting, our Dewberry Farm tradition, our haunted gingerbread house disaster, the boat parade at Kemah, trips to the fire station, MANY trips to the WL with Gramma, and so many other little fun things along the way. We stay very busy, but we like it that way (your dad would be fine with a slower pace of life, but you're like your Mama, and like to go!)
We celebrated your birthday this year with a Cars theme (your pick) and had it at Jumpin' Jaks- you had a blast, of course, and all the wonderful people that love and care about you were there to celebrate with us.
This year from four to five promises to be full of fun new things, too, and I can't wait to see you grow and experience all the fun that life has to offer. Welcome to the year of FOUR! I love you!
