Happy Birthday to An Amazing "Big" Boy!

On January 18, my sweet Jaden turned 4 years old! It was definitely BIG excitement for him, and something he has been looking forward to since January 18, 2010. Apparently when you turn 4, you officially achieve "big boy" status, so it was a day my little guy had been anxiously anticipating for exactly a year. And I'll be honest, it was a bittersweet day for me. It made me miss the days where I could just scoop him up and snuggle the heck out of him; the days where he would happily comply with anything I suggested; and the days that I was not yet thinking about the choices he will make with the pressures of being an adolescent. It also made me wonder why we are constantly subconsciously encouraging him to grow up so fast by talking to him about being a "big boy," behaving like a "big boy," and doing things that "big boys" do. And even though I wish he could just stay little (and often ask him if he will...he says nope), this day also made me so proud to reflect on the wonderful "big boy" that he is inevitably becoming. He is such a good-hearted, sweet-natured little ("big") guy who is so considerate of others. He loves his family more than anything and if we could have a family get-together everyday, he would be in seventh heaven. He's a ball of endless energy, always on the go and coming up with new games to play or jokes to tell; although he's shy (so he says) around new people. He's a little four-year-old attitude with an occasional case of selective-listening. He is so wise and thoughtful and I am constantly amazed at the things he comes up with. He's very inquisitive and is never short of curiosity and questions (and ironically, he knows the answers to everything, too!). And it makes my heart happy (and eyes teary) to think of what an amazing big brother he is. He would do absolutely anything for his Elijah, and Elijah loves him just as much. Jaden is such a blessing to our family and I am thankful for him every day. He has probably taught me way more than I have taught him. I am so thankful to be able to spend most of my day with him and Elijah (and am so appreciative to my hard-working husband who has given me the opportunity to spend this time with the boys each day). And as much as I would love to slow down the process, my little guy is growing up whether I'm ready to accept it or not. So as he grows, my wish is that he continues to love learning and reading; that he always treats people with love and respect; and that he never loses his joy for life.

Happy Birthday to our amazing "Big" Boy. We love you so much!