This has not been a banner year for us Michael. I got sick. You had a traumatic accident. You also came down with a bad case of the threes. People say four is better. I'm not holding my breath.
This is the year you lost all your babyhood. No one would mistake you for a baby, and G-d forbid anyone dare call you a baby. "I'm a big boy," you will inevitably reply. Because you are.
This is also the year we made you use the potty. You are still not so sure that was a good idea.
And Disney. We can not forget Disney.
You are smart as whip. You are funny. You are sweet. Your laugh could make the whole world laugh with you. You are dying to learn how to read. You love to play on the computer and all you want in life is an iPhone for your very own.
You inquisitiveness never ceases to amaze me. You ask questions about things I never would have thought of. And even though all the why, how, and when can drive me batty after a while, I hope you never lose that. Mark my words, you are a lawyer in training, because you believe you can negotiate everything. Bedtime, bath time, dessert, more tv, all negotiable. No does not mean no, it means, "but Mommy," "how about," "I have an idea," or my favorite, "let's talk about this."
Michael, I used to think that you were the best thing I had ever done but I realize now that this is no longer true. I no longer take credit for who you are. You are your own person. A little bit me, some your dad, but all you. (Except your crazy stubbornness. You get that all from your father. I am not stubborn at all.) You are no longer the best thing I have ever done, but you are my favorite person in the world.
It is my job to raise you. It is my job to shape you and to make you into a hopefully responsible and productive adult. It is the hardest job I have ever had and I have never loved a job more.
I love you Michael, bunches and bunches and scrunches. Never doubt that and never forget it. Happy 4th Birthday.
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy birthday, sweet boy. I can’t believe he’s already 4.. those videos make me cry every single time. I have no idea why!!! I hope you all are having a wonderful celebration. And happy birthday to you too.. I always celebrate the day I became Faith’s mommy – it’s a very, very special day. Hugs.
Happy Birthday sweet boy!!
How sweet! Happy Birthday Michael!
PS- To Jodi- So far- 4 is much better!
Happy Birthday Michael!
Happy Birthday to Michael. They sure grow up fast!
Happy birthday Michael!
I love seeing how happy you make your mom.
happy birthday sweet boy!!! Give your mama extra lovin’ today!!
He does look like such a big boy! Happy birthday to Michael!
Happy birthday Michael! You have an amazing mom!
Happy Birthday Michael! I’ll just bet this is the year you get to learn to read. How exciting! You’re FOUR!
So sweet! Happy Birthday, Michael!
Happy Birthday, Michael! Jodi, your words made me tear up.
Our babies aren’t such babies anymore, that’s true.
Happy birthday, Michael!
I love the “oh, I have an idea!” thing, too. I actually look forward to hearing what his “idea” is all the while knowing I am probably going to have to squash it like a bug.
Happy Birthday Michael!!!
I can hardly believe that it’s been 2 years since I started reading your blog. The very first post I read (the one that hooked me) was his 2nd birthday post.
Happy #4 Michael!
I’ve got a little boy a bit younger who sounds remarkably like this…
Happy Birthday!
Happy happy birthday, Michael. And happy anniversary of mommyhood to you, Jodi. Hope you guys had a great day yesterday.
I can’t believe our babies are 4! Happy Birthday Michael!
Four is better than three! Our pediatrician said you either get the bad stuff in the even years or odd ones. I sailed through twos with my oldest, but three? Ugh!
He’s finding himself and he is Such. A. Big. Boy.