Connor Andrew {4 Years Old}

In general, I begrudge my children growing up. Except for the fourth birthday. The fourth birthday, much like the 6 month birthday, is a landmark of sorts for me as a parent. It marks the exit of the dreaded third year, the year that leaves many children (and parents) to wail and gnash teeth, trying to figure out collectively how we'll all get along for the next several decades of life without ending someones existence. Terrible twos? No. Terrible threes? YES. (I realize I am being a bit melodramatic here, but if you are a parent of littles, then you will understand what I mean when I say that the third year is like walking in a long, hot valley without but a drip of water for reprieve. It's rough in every sense of the word rough).

SO... we're glad to be exiting that phase again (and please, don't get me wrong. Threes do have their sweet moments. But let's call a spade a spade and say that if someone told me that my kid would stay three forever, I think there'd be tears. Just saying.). Over the past several months I have seen glimpses of the four/five year old phase in Connor and I have been encouraged to press on. And in all truthfulness, I don't think there is a more sensitive soul than our Connor Andrew. His ability to empathize with people and to tap into his emotions is something I've not seen in many young boys. He is soft and affectionate and will make anyone feel like a million bucks (my friend Katie said it best when she said that if she was having a horrible day, Connor would be the first one she'd want to see. He's sure to light up even the darkest of rooms.)

As we've neared age four, Connor has blossomed in his ability to be truly funny. He is a goofball of goofballs and will do some of the craziest things for a laugh. As much as I LOVE LOVE LOVE the baby stage, having my boys get to be a little older where they truly appreciate whit and sarcasm... it gives me hope for these older years with them. I love being able to laugh with them and joke with them. Connor is no exception.

I love that Connor marches to the beat of his own drum. He's determined to not live in the shadow of his brothers and I love him for that. He loves sports, but is content being quiet with action figures and hotwheels too. He loves to read, and he absolutely loves TV more than any of my boys. His imagination is vivid, and he dreams things that I never even knew a 4 year old could dream (just today he told me that his preschool teacher was an astronaut when she was younger, and that she has taken Connor on her spaceship to see outerspace.)

Connor Andrew--

Four years ago when you came into this world, you were placed in the arms of a momma who wasn't quite sure she'd be able to handle two babies under two. Yet, even with all of my insecurities, I knew that I couldn't not love that sweet chubby newborn with spikey black hair that I laid eyes on that early morning in November. Yes, it's true. You have stolen my heart every day of your existence, and are a constant reminder to me that sometimes the plans we think we have ourselves are not near as good as the ones that God has for us. Connor, thank you for being a gentle soul, for loving so well and so big, and for teaching everyone to find joy in the smallest things of life. You are an incredible little boy and I am so very proud to call you my son. Happy Birthday, sweet boy!