Dear Martin,
This weekend we celebrated your birthday in two parts - your actual birthday on Saturday and your birthday party on Saturday.  You've not yet learned the beauty of extending birthday celebrations over a long period of time, and you were disappointed when we didn't have cake or guests or a party on the actual day.  But, you were thrilled on day two when the festivities continued, especially with the arrival of the cake, guests, and presents.


Watching you turn four is a contradiction - even though I can remember a time before you, it feels like you've always been here.  You've changed so much in the past year, growing more into a little boy each day.  You're taller, you have your own thoughts and ideas, you are funny and make up great stories.  Lately, you've been telling a lot of stories about your friend "Ocho" and name all of your animals "Connie".

You've always liked to draw and paint, but now you're using art to tell stories and represent the world around you.  Here's a drawing you made of yourself.  And in your view, you're all bones and eyes:


This week you used your first simile, telling the woman cutting your hair that you wanted it to look "just like that boy in the picture except flat like a stop sign".  Everyone turned to look at you - the other patrons in confusion, the stylists with a smile, and me with pride.

Lately you've been very concerned with caring for Sophie.  Making sure she's covered up, has her blanket, getting her drinks of water.  This consideration is balanced by the other times of the day that the two of you fight over toys and space, because right now, Sophie wants to be right next to you all day long.  For the most part, you're pretty patient, but sometimes it gets the best of you.  You're doing a better job at just balling up your fist and threatening to punch her instead of actually doing it.  I consider this an improvement.

You're a fine boy, knowing you brings me pure joy, although some days it also brings me pure exhaustion.  But most of the time, I look at you with pride and love and look forward to every new idea and conversation we share. 


Happy birthday, love.
Momma