To My Son On His Fourth Birthday

My dear Miles,

My cuddly, sweet, mischievous little boy…

Today you are four.

You are ecstatic to be four. In fact, you’ve asked me daily for a month when it was going to be your birthday, and got the biggest grin ever, no matter what number I said. Being four is like hitting the lotto in your brain I’m pretty sure.

While I already know that turning four is sure to usher in constant questions and sass, I am also excited for you to continue to piece the world together. Gone are your baby features, though your chubby cheeks still remain, beckoning me to kiss them anytime I am near them. You never shy away from a kiss or a hug, and for that, I am grateful because I know those days are numbered.

Seeing you grow has been such a joy because you are so full of JOY. You are happy from the moment you wake up until the moment you fall asleep, and the nickname ‘Smiles’ has really stuck. You truly are a joy spreader, and I hope that is something that follows you until the end.

With that said, you are positively, uniquely YOU, and you make no apologies for it. You are a leader of mischief for sure. This year has brought us plenty of broken toys, and a broken TV…even though I am sure to remind you daily — “No balls in the house!” You’ve gotten ahold of scissors and cut your hair, and even cut my beautiful roses that were about to bloom. Most days, mischief is your middle name. Your energy is boundless!

Thankfully, when you do get into trouble, you are quick to say sorry. You cry and ask for hugs and cuddles — you do not like when daddy or I are upset with you and need plenty of reassurance to make sure we still love you. You have a huge heart and are incredibly sensitive, and we love that about you. Never be afraid to express your feelings, little man.

You do not like to be alone, and that makes sense…You are rarely alone with two sisters and constant friends over. Every morning you sneak into bed with me and fall back asleep. Although I prefer not to deal with kids before coffee, you always are smiling and reminding me how I should start the day, too. Thank you for that.

Your sense of style is uncanny, often wearing your shoes on the wrong feet {IF you’re wearing shoes at all — usually you aren’t — and your feet feel like leather!}, and looking slightly disheveled since you insist on dressing yourself. As much as it drives me crazy, I love seeing how confident you are, and hope that continues.

This year has brought your first year of preschool, and you did really well. You are my social butterfly! Even though you prefer when I am with you, I’m proud that you never shy away from new things, and are always willing to join in with anything you set your mind to. You also tried soccer and gymnastics this year, and you loved both. Honestly, you love everything and everyone…You truly are a go-with-the-flow guy, which has been fantastic since you are the third child.

This year, I hope you continue to play hard and love hard, and live life to its fullest. Thanks for the daily reminders to have fun and find joy in the simple things. You truly are a ray of SONshine.

I love you to the moon and back, times infinity.

Kisses,

Mama

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