Mr. Reed is 4!
We've been talking about all the changes that would come with turning four. Four year-olds don't complain about their clothes being uncomfortable, they go to pre-school without any whining or objecting, they stay on their bed until the clock turns yellow, they do all their own bum wiping, they always protect their sisters and mother, they help when it's time to boogie the house… Well, let's just say we've been talking it up as much as possible, hoping that the more we talk the more eager you'll be to accomplish these (very personal) goals. I must say that the day has come and gone, and though there hasn't been some magical change (as we jokingly suggested there would be), there has been great change in your life. It hasn't come overnight; instead it has happened gradually, and as I was reading the little journal I keep for you, I was amazed at some of the entries from just one year ago.
The week of your third birthday, you had your second ear surgery and you learned how to ride your bike without training wheels. Since then you've only had one (maybe two?) ear infections (that cleared without the need of antibiotics), and you've been listening and talking so much more clearly. We are so thankful that this struggle in your life has been lifted, as I can only imagine how uncomfortable you were so much of the time with your constant infections.
And your passion for being a bicycle boy has grown day by day. Today, while Songbird was at co-op with Papa, I thought it'd be fun to take a bike ride to the library and go the the preschool story-time together. This is something I used to do with Songbird all the time when she was your age, but since we've been homeschooling (and since I have three in tow now) I haven't taken you once. I loaded Raindrop in the bike trailer, and told you to let me know if you got tired and I could stow your bike and you could ride in the bike seat. You made it the entire way there and the entire way home again without a single complaint. I was so impressed, as it was probably at least a three mile round-trip.
Today you wanted to wear your "soccer uniform" (a gift from sister for your birthday), with your new kilt on top (a gift from little sister). You were so proud every time someone complimented you on your "kilt." Almost like your pride was in the fact that they knew what it was. You were so happy, and it was such a joy to be with you.
The day of your birthday we invited your friend, Caleb, over to play and share lunch and blueberry lemon cake with lemon curd icing (a special request). Songbird was again at co-op, and I marveled that this was the first time you had a boy friend over to play without your older sister around. You guys sat and did music together for a while (you on the drum and xylophone with Caleb on the triangle), and then you made your way upstairs to work on some engineering projects (train tracks with bridges, legos, etc.) When I came up to ask if you were ready to walk across to the playground, you were deliberating over tiny lego pieces - quietly standing side by side. It was such a special morning for you, and special for me to have a peek into your growing independence.
That night we had a little family party that included a trip to Gelato Fiasco, and we also presented you with your birthday present - a new electric drum. You have been drumming since before you could talk, and though I really crave quiet and struggle with loud noises, I see a gift in you for rhythm, and a passion for playing the drums that I want to be able to encourage. You asked for a "real cymbal" (which is quite expensive), so instead we got you an electric drum with four rubber pads - one of which can be made to sound like a cymbal. You were glowing…
Aside from these things, you've become more inquisitive, have started listening to books and making your own story requests, and love working on your "handwriting book" (and with sister's help are writing many of your letters). You've been learning to hit a baseball with a bat, playing with your new toy rocket, wearing shorts without pants underneath and smiling at the warm weather. You continue to overflow with love for your family and express this love so freely, surprising me with kisses, hugs, and cuddles.
You are a joy, and I am so thankful you flew out of the womb and into this world 4 years ago.
Love,
Mama
