Where do I begin? Today you are four. four. f.o.u.r.

I say this with every stage, but I think this one has been my favorite. This is the age that I think we have truly gotten to know you and the little person you are turning in to.  That’s sounds funny, being your mommy. What I mean is this is the age that your personality has shown through, your ever-wondering mind doesn’t stop thinking – why? how? who? what’s next? You want to know, you need to know everything.

Knowing the alphabet? not enough – you want to write each letter and know each sound.
Counting to 20? boring. “yeah but Mommy what comes after 80? 90 100, 101…”
Spelling your name? Great. “Mommy, how do I spell Noah? Daddy? Mommy? Lighting McQueen(???)”

And the questions. Oh the questions. Forget “why is the sky blue?” You go above and beyond. And usually leave me speechless and fumbling over words to try to answer you:

Why do we live in Oklahoma and why did God make Oklahoma?
Why did you call me Gabe? Why is Noah’s name Noah?
What is the internet? What does website mean?
Why does the moon come out when the stars are up and go away when the Sun is up?
Why did the Roman soldiers not like Jesus when Jesus liked everyone?

You are a sponge. You want to soak in all of life.

Your “little-boyness” – I wish I could bottle it up and keep it forever. The way you become Spiderman the minute you slip that mask over your eyes, your ninja moves are out of this world, and when you have a song on your heart you sing it at the top of your lungs – no matter if we’re in the car, at home or in the middle of the crowded grocery store.

Most importantly, your heart is so pure. You are compassionate and tenderhearted. You want to carry change in your pocket to make sure you have money to give to the Salvation Army bell ringers (even though its February), and according to you, everyone is your “best fwend.” You love to talk about Jesus – who He is, why He came, why He died and where He is now. Multiple times a day you like to remind us that you love us:

“Hey Dad, Guess What? I love you! ….Hey Dad, Guess What? I love you!……..Hey Dad, Guess What? I love you!”
“Um Mom, you know, I kinda really super love you.”

Tonight at bedtime you asked? “Will you miss me when I’m three” You know, Gabe I “kinda really super” will. But at the same time, I’m excited to see what 4 is like.