4th Birthday Letter to My Son

October 16, 2014

My Dear Bean,

You turned four years old three days ago. It was a Monday. We had your party the Saturday before. You wanted to have a construction birthday party again this year, so that's what we did! I used some different decorations this year and came up with some new games. Tata build a house out of cardboard boxes that you and your friends painted. I think all the kids enjoyed painting. I made some dump trucks out of card board and you and your friends did dump truck races. We also had a bounce house at your party, and of course, a construction birthday cake with four wax candles shaped like machines. You are still excited about the candles and playing with them.

You requested to go to Chili's restaurant on your actual birthday because you like the Ziosk computer they have at the tables and you wanted them to sing to you. Tata came home early from work so we could take you. Watching your expression as they sang you happy birthday was so cute! It is hard to believe you are four years old! That seems like such a big kid. No longer a baby.

This past year has had it's challenges, but it has been so much fun! You got the hang of potty training and are now a pro. You have learned to dress yourself. Your vocabulary is amazing. People can't believe that you just turned four when they hear you speak. You still love construction and big machines. Sometimes I take you to Home Depot so we can walk around and look at the tools. You like to wear your yellow construction vest, work gloves, hard hat and boots when you go out.

You are such a smart and curious boy, always checking out how things work. The last time I vacuumed, you asked me to turn it up so you could see underneath. Today and the park you were on a tire swing with your friends, Ian and Aiden. I saw you looking up to see how the swing was connected and working. I am amazed at how quickly you learn and how you remember everything.

This year at preschool there is a Music Together class. Since you are in school three days a week and dance one day a week, we are no longer going to Mrs. Lyn's musikgarten. I think you miss her, but you are enjoying your music class at preschool. You remember all the words and go around singing the songs. I love hearing your sweet little voice.

Now that you are four, you act more like a big boy than a baby or little kid. I love the conversations we have and your sense of humor. One of your favorite "jokes" is to say "Have you ever seen a bug eating a (insert all kinds of silly things here)?" You told me at lunch you and your friends say "Please pass the Reagans" or Please pass the Aidens" or "Beans" and laugh. I love your silliness. You are so excited about life and full of energy. I see a spark in you that I don't see in many other children.

Three turning four does have some challenges. You understand what taking turns and sharing mean but sometimes find it difficult, especially taking turns with your toys at home. You are a very kind and caring boy though, and are getting better at these tasks. When you are upset you now say things like "I don't want to play with you EVER again" or "I'm not your friend." The next minute you are happy again asking to play and saying "I love you."

You ask A LOT of questions every day. Many times you are asking questions before I have a chance to answer the question before. Many days Tata and I are tired, but we love your curiosity. We joke with you that you are "pecking us like a chicken." We have to remind ourselves that you are growing and learning and need to ask questions in order to do so.

There are many things you like to do. You love to go to the park and dig in the sand with your construction trucks. You spend a lot of time jumping on the couch. You are never still. Even when watching your construction shows or Daniel Tiger you are usually standing up, jumping or moving side to side. You enjoy playing board games with us, although you don't like to lose. You really like building things with Tata and using your toy cranes.  You are taking a dance class that you really like with Ms. Emily. I am glad you have so many interests.

You are becoming more and more independent. You want to do most things yourself and have to start over if we try to help you. You want to help with things around the house, like making coffee. Trying these things sometimes leads to messes being made but I know that's how you learn, so I don't worry too much about the messes and have you help clean them up.

This year you are in the multi age class in the Child Study Lab at ASU. You miss Teacher Neli from last year, but have come to love Teacher Nina this year. You really enjoy school and are excited every morning to go. Your teacher says you are doing a great job with problem solving, getting along with others and making friends.

The past year was a little challenging for me, as I was pregnant with your brother. I was nauseous and vomiting the whole pregnancy, just like with you. I was also very tired. I worried a lot that I wasn't spending time with you the way I had when not pregnant. I felt very guilty about being tired and sick all the time and not being able to play with you the way we were used to. You were very excited about the baby though, and seemed to take things in stride. You sang and talked to the baby and gave hugs and kisses to my growing belly. When Maxim Tito was born, you were very excited to meet him and have been taking good care of him ever since. You are usually very gentle with him and also protective. You definitely had an adjustment period for a few weeks, as did we all. I think you were a little angry with Tata and me that I had to spend a lot of time taking care of Tito and not as much time with you as I was able to in the past. This was a hard adjustment for me too! Gradually, we fell into a routine and we had a new normal, that included your brother. I can tell you guys are going to be best of friends.

This has been an amazing year, and you are an amazing son. I love you with all my heart.

Love,

Mama