My first born turned 4 years old today. I've heard 4 is the golden age...some days are looking golden and others, not so much. But, we are here. We made it 4 years and I love that boy more now than I could have ever imagined.
Jack is full of life. He definitely has the ability to keep me on my toes and has so since the day he left the womb. Life with him is full of adventure, mis-steps, laughs, noise {lots of it}, love, wonderment, play, and so much more.
I know he is mine and I know it may seem that I am a bit biased {which I am}, but he is truly a smart little guy. He is constantly asking questions, thirsting for knowledge, and applying it every chance he can get. There is not a day that goes by that his Daddy and I aren't amazed by his thought process. {and here is my chance to brag--for nostalgia's sake, of course} Even his teacher has commented, "Jack is the brightest child in our class...academically". I didn't ask why she threw that "academically" in last minute, I just wanted to enjoy the moment.
I can easily categorize Jack as a Type A. Hmmm...wonder where he got that from? Everything has a place and a time in his little world. He is a creature of habit and though he is learning to adjust to the curve balls that life throws at him, it is still something we are forever working on {Mommy too}. Jack wants everything to be "perfect" and when I explain that nothing is "perfect", he solemnly says, "but I want it to be perfect". Unfortunately, that's what makes us such a good match--I can relate to that child on so many levels and actually have flashbacks to my childhood days. Helping him get through life's little 4 year old bumps, has ironically helped me too. I find myself trying to take my own advice. He and I were not only made from the same mold, but I think in many ways we were made for each other too.
Jack's playful side is a joy in itself. One minute he is high energy, flying Buzz Lightyear through the kitchen and over the counters while chanting "on infinity and beyond" and the next minute he is sitting quietly reading books or putting "hard" puzzles together. Jack takes pride in all that he accomplishes. He isn't too shy to tell you when he is "so proud" of himself and I'm always there to share the sentiment {at least I hope I am}.
Jack is most infamous in this house for hoarding or as he likes to call it "collecting". {now this, he did not get from me} Depending on the day, Jack has a crew of "fwrewns" with him. And he takes this crew EVERYWHERE. His crew can be a combo of lovey {which is slowly losing his ranking}, monkey, and a plastic dinosaur or it can be a combo of baby frog, cow, and Buzz, or a combo of Ernie, Elmo and Cookie, and I could go on and on, the combo lists are endless. The worst is when his pillow pet is in that combo--it's like toting a 3rd child everywhere we go. I never know what Jack is going to come to breakfast with in the a.m. and end the day with at bed time. It's another Jack adventure in our house.
Jack is still my amazing eater and therefore my amazing grower. The boy will try just about anything {I certainly can't guarantee that he will like it though}. His eating habits are very healthy for the most part. He does have a sweet tooth on occasion, but rarely finishes any sweet treat he indulges in. He snacks on yogurt, carrots, fruit {lots of fruit}, cheese, and drinks a ton of milk. He doesn't care much for french fries, hamburgers, and can do with or without chicken nuggets and pizza. I'm a running joke at McDonalds when I order a cheeseburger with no burger and no condiments, apples, and a milk {all per his request}. With that being said, I have been blessed with a great eater. I never realized how lucky I was until Mags came along, but that's a whole other story in itself.
In turn Jack has always been a great sleeper too. Lately, as we have been closing in on this 4 year old birthday, afternoon naps have been taking a down slide. I can happily say, they are not extinct yet, but we are in the process. I would say that Jack naps about 70% of the days. But, his naps are shortening...an hour and a half to two hours, sometimes two and a half. And on the days that he doesn't sleep I can hear him in his room "resting" and reading books. There is no way to tell when his days of afternoon napping will be gone for good, but I can assure you he will still have a rest time. Trust me, we both need it.
Jack is my helper and my boy of fantastic manners. I am rarely embarrassed in public, he somehow always put the charm on for strangers. His list of "thank yous", "pleases", and "may I's" is endless. Add his big blue eyes and he usually can get what he wants. Jack is almost always willing to help around the house. Sometimes I have to be careful not to use him as my "do boy" too much. But there he is, always willing and ready when I ask a favor. His star chart with chores has helped me to control my over use of him and it also makes him feel important around here, rightfully so.
And on that note, we couldn't have asked for a better big brother. He teaches Maggie all that he knows, loves her to the ends of the Earth, makes her giggle, and can agitate her all at the same time. Jack's favorite times are when the "whole family is together". He makes a big announcement and rattles off everyone's name, including Cosby. Speaking of Cosby, that boy of mine sure does need a dog of his own. He's declared himself Cosby's keeper and I don't know how keen Cosby is on that idea. Watching Jack order Cosby around is quite a sight.
So there you have it, my little 4 year old wonder. It's really hard to believe that 4 years ago to the day he was entering my life, and my, how my life would change. It has been such a blessing to watch him grow, nurture his way into this pre-school stage, and dream about all he will become in the next year {if it's up to him he will be a "dog feeder and Daddy" when he grows up}. Jack, as my first born, will always hold a special place in my heart...he broke me into motherhood...right out of the gate...and he has brought me more joy in the last 4 years than anything ever has. His heart is made of pure gold and everything about him makes this house a home. Life without him would not be the same. I thank God everyday for the one of the greatest blessings ever made.
Happy 4th Birthday little Monkey J! We can't wait to see what this next year in your life holds! If its anything like the past 4, it will be amazing...and busy too!
**pictures are from a little 'at home" birthday celebration on the "real" day--dino party and pictures to follow! nothing like celebrating for a full week**
