Happy 4th Birthday Hunter

Happy Birthday Hunter!

I can't believe you are four years old today. You were born at 1:30 pm in the afternoon and it's crazy to think that four years ago I was in labor with no clue what to expect and what type of child you would come to be.

You are such a handful, but we love you no matter what. This past year has been quite challenging, to put it nicely. I hope that God will use your strong will in positive ways as you grow up. For now, I think God is trying to teach me and your daddy a lesson in patience, among other things. I hope if Nick and I can get through these years with you and Jack, it'll be smooth sailing for a while (at least until you are a teenager).

If I had to describe your personality, you are very independent, opinionated, and strong willed. You are also very witty with a good sense of humor. I know I am your mommy and am biased, but I think you are so smart. So does your Nana and your teachers. You can count really high, write your name (although not perfect, it's legible), count to ten in Spanish, and much much more. We work to teach you things and are amazed by what you learn at school. I ask 4 and 5 year olds when their birthday is and they don't know, but you've known September 20th for at least a year. Tuesday is your favorite day of the week. I have no idea why, but you are super excited that your birthday is on a Tuesday this year! You have an excellent memory. You remember things from over a year ago, such as where you got a toy, who gave it to you, or just some other random fact someone told you. I am constantly lecturing Nick about always telling you the truth and not making stuff up, b/c you remember it all.

Although you know how to push our buttons and seem to act the worst for your mommy and daddy, the good times outweigh the bad (I think). I am happy that you behave for your teachers, our nanny, and others (when we are not around). When you say, "mommy, you are gorgeous", it makes me so happy and you know it! Or when you say you never want to get married and want to marry me and live at home forever, that makes me laugh and is so cute. We keep telling you that you'll want to move out when you go to college, you will cry if we don't drop the subject b/c you want to live at home forever.

You are certainly our inquisitive child. You ask "why?" at least 100 times per day right now, but I don't mind. Most of the time I have to think carefully about my answer. You ask questions about body parts, body functions, God, heaven, the weather, and other stuff I don't even think about. I am glad the wheels are turning in your head all the time. I found that I say "b/c God wanted it that way or made us that way" a lot! It's an easy answer and is the truth.

I sometimes think, "I wish you were more calm or would just do what you are told" and then I stop myself. I try to remember that God made you the way you are for a reason. I know it will serve you good as you grow up. I know you will not be a follower and will not be bullied into doing things. We just need to teach you to be nice to everyone to make sure you are also not the bully! You are so outgoing and I love that about you. We are not quiet or shy, so we are not surprised. I don't know what I'd do with a shy kid! I wish sometimes you didn't say everything that was on your mind b/c you end up embarrassing me by asking people crazy questions in public, but we're working on that.

I hope this coming year gets a little easier from our perspective, but we'll roll with it no matter what. We are so blessed that you are healthy, happy, learning, and growing like crazy. That is really all that matters when it comes down to it. I've heard that parents have "Parental Dementia" meaning they forget all the bad things as their kids grow up. I am documenting this so I remember what this year has been like, but fortunately, we love you unconditionally and you really can be sweet and loving, when you feel like it.

Your mommy and daddy love you so much and can't wait to see what this next year has in store for you.

We took this picture last night...the last picture of him as a 3 year old!

Nick and I went to Hunter's school today for his celebration. I was so proud of him. He is a totally different kid than last year and I wanted to cry b/c I was so happy. He was a perfect angel and followed Miss Claire's instructions just right! Above he is smiling as we all sang Happy Birthday to him.

He walked to get the mat (with his "slow feet"--going to try that at home asap). Then they lay the sun down and light a candle. He walks around the mat 4 times for each year that he's been on this Earth. At each time around he stops and I read three events from that year of his life...we made a poster with pictures of him from each year and three events from each year. The kids LOVED seeing Hunter with Buzz Lightyear from our Disneyworld vacation! Yay for mommy for picking that one :) After the "ceremony" (most Montessori's do this I think), he got to choose a friend to help and they walked around with hand sanitizer and napkins. It was so cute...Hunter would give each kid some sanitizer and then Lauren would say, "Would you like a snack?" The kid had to say, "Yes please" and then they got a napkin. Once that was done, they say a prayer and get to have snack.
But wait...Hunter decided he had to go potty after everyone had their food, but before prayer. So the class had to wait for him to come back to say prayer before they could eat. They sang a few songs, so it worked out. Miss Claire is awesome. These kids have food in front of them (we brought pineapple and grapes for snack)--no treats allowed. haha. She would say "fold your hands in front of you if you think you might touch your food or be tempted to"...too funny.

I don't know what is up with this smile! I asked one of the teacher's to take our picture and he was doing his "fake smile". Oh well.

I am so thankful that even though we both work outside the home, we both don't want to miss things like this. It's a lot of work to go to his school for 20 minutes, but it was worth it. I'm glad Nick wants to be there too...I'm wondering how many kids have both parents at these types of things. I know I felt special that my parents were at all my functions as a child.

On the poster we brought to school, here are the pictures we picked for each year....

Birth to one...I love this picture of him!!! One of my favorites. He's about 8 months old--first time on the swings.
Here he is at about 14 months old...and after his first real haircut! Such a handsome little guy.
Here is the two to three year old picture with daddy. I love the smile :)
Here is three to age four...Disneyworld in March. The kids in class thought it was so cool that we met Buzz Lightyear. Hunter thought so too!

Hunter, we love you. You are so fortunate to have so many family members and friends that do too! Just wait till you see what you are getting from mommy and daddy tonight--check back tomorrow to find out. I know I will be regretting this gift (and Nick will blame me for it), but Hunter will love it. And no, it's not drums--my parents took care of that for Christmas 2009.

Have a great day!