Twenty March Third...

It has been a really busy last week and a half so I have a lot of catching up to do. 

On Wednesday, March 23rd we celebrated Michael's fourth birthday.  It is hard to believe our littliest boy is growing up and becoming an independant, confident and active (well it seems even more active than before) young boy. 

In the weeks leading up to his birthday it seems he had been growing leaps and bounds.  Every morning I'd reach into his closet and grab a t-shirt that fit the week before, only to find that this time, the shirt resembled more of an 80's mid-drift on his little tummy.  One morning as I tucked away another shirt into the "pass along" pile, I verbalized the thought going through my mind.  I said, "Man, I'm sad to see you grow so fast."  Not realize how that statement would sound to a then, three-year-old, Michael said, "Mommy, why are you sad I'm growing?" 

I then had to spend the next few minutes explaining that I am happy that he is growing, while I made a mental note not to express my sad emotions about him growing up so quickly and not needing my help as much.

So getting back to Michael's special day, I think if you were to ask him it was a perfect birthday!  He was able to take treats to school and absorb all of the attention of being the special birthday boy, and then he was surprised to come home to a house all decorated with balloons, streamers, and toys, thanks to Grandma and Grandpa who had come from Iowa to visit, as well as his Nana, Papa, and the Petersen family.  We celebrated with pizza, fruit and cake.  It was a really nice day.

Then to to top it off he was able to have his dream Batman birthday party.  I found a Batman pinata and a Batman ice cream cake that we celebrated with family and some friends at Desert Breeze park. As people wished Michael, Happy Birthday his response was always the same.  Instead of saying thank you, he would respond, "Happy Birthday to you". He cracks me up.   Michael had a wonderful time and soaked up every possible minute of his 4th birthday.

He's already asking me when his next birthday is, as if he can't get enough.  I don't mean this to sound bad, but if I could, I'd stop time and keep him 4 and is brother 5 for a least a few more years.

We are coming up on our first anniversary of being a family and it is hard to believe all that this past year has brought us.  I remember walking through the door of their foster family home and seeing this tiny little boy being the perfect shadow to his big and very talkative brother.  Michael didn't say as much but I could tell his mind was remembering everything that was happening.

Our little boy, the first time we met.

In the last 11 months we've watched Michael grow in so many ways.  He's smart, caring, playful, silly and always funny.  He makes me laugh even when he's not trying.  I couldn't begin to count the ways I love him.  There just wouldn't be enough space on this blog and every night when I close my eyes, I know tomorrow will give me many more reasons to add to the list.

Michael, your mom is excited to see you grow and become all that you dream about, talk about and want to be.  I look forward to watching you create new dreams, strive for your goals, and while working hard and having fun along the way.  Know I will be there in your corner cheering you on, celebrating your victories, reassuring you in your defeats and always, always loving you.

Happy 4th birthday, my baby (oops, I mean big boy).

Your mom,
Angie

PS:  And if you'r wondering about the title of this blog.  This is the Michael's answer to the question, "Michael, when is your birthday?"