FOUR

Dear Brian Thomas,

Today you are four.  My sweet boy, this has certainly been a banner year. You began occupational therapy and switched speech therapists.  We welcomed your baby sister.  You started preschool.  We moved.  You changed preschools.  You got a new occupational therapist.  You decided it was okay to eat meat.  You (FINALLY) decided potty training was cool.  You played soccer.  You grew.  You changed.  You became a big boy.  Whew, that makes me tired just to type!

Last week we went to the developmental pediatrician.  Boy was she floored by the changes in you.  She asked if we ever wanted to come back and see her.  What a difference a year makes.

I say all the time you are a work in progress, but what a wonderful work you are.  We still have speech goals and OT goals to meet.  You do have your bad days.  But you are on your way, little boy!

Auntie La La commented the other day that you are at a fun age.  It's true.  You are so fun right now.  You participate in conversations.  You are hysterical and you know it.  You love to make people laugh.  You LOVE your baby sister.  Sometimes a little bit too much.  And boy does she love you.  You are sweet and caring.  You are charming and very, very handsome.  Someone the other day called you "delightful."  I wouldn't go that far every minute of every day, but you certainly can be quite delightful when you choose to be!

You love to play.  Especially with other kids.  You still love cars.  You LOVE your new swing set and being outside in general.  You love water and play doh.  You still love to read.  Even manuals.  If you get a new toy that has to be put together, you are always the first to consult the manual.  Daddy called you a micro-manager yesterday when we were getting ready for your party.  It's true.  You like things to be done a certain way and you don't hesitate to let us know if we aren't doing something to your standards!!

I am always sad to see you grow older because I so miss the things that were a part of your baby and toddler years.  But this year, I'm more okay with it.  I think it's because I have seen how much you have grown and developed this past year.  And I am so excited for what this next year will bring for you.

Little man, we love you so, so much.  You inspire so many people who love you.  You continue to overcome great obstacles with a huge grin on your face and a shining light in your eyes.  I hope you will always face everything life throws at you as you do now-head on and in your own way.  You may march to the beat of a different drum, but it's a beat we love and are very proud of.

Happy Birthday, Brian Thomas!

Love,
Mama