Dear Four Year Old,
You are only four for one more month. You have been asking if it is May 10th yet for about nine months. We are almost there sweet boy. You will be five soon. Slow down son, suddenly this is going fast. People kept telling me time would go quickly, but it fell on deaf ears. When I was exhaustedly buckling three people into carseats, cutting 30 fingernails and 30 toenails, and dishing out “potty candy,” the thought of time going so fast didn’t scare me. Those were some rough years! But, I love being a mommy. I love being your mommy. I enjoy seeing all three of you grow and develop into your own person, but let me remind you Mr. Four Year Old… you are my baby.
I enjoy you being little. I still carry you into stores (when you let me). I maintain a tight grip on your hand in parking lots. I zipped your coat for six months before I realized your teacher at 4K had insisted that you do it yourself. Daddy and I still take turns crawling into bed and cuddling you until you settle in for the night. I pretend play “baby” just so I can still rock you sometimes. Mr. Four Year Old, you are my baby.
I marvel at your strong, healthy body. There was a time when you were in my tummy that we were worried about you. I couldn’t wait to meet you and see with my eyes that you were OK. You are more than OK; you are thriving. I am so thankful to have the honor of knowing and being known by you. I am so thankful to have the honor of loving and being loved by you. Mr. Four Year Old, you are my baby.
I know that time does not pause or slow for the nostalgic mommy. Your day will be here soon. You will unwrap a variety of Mixels, purple things, penguins, and Octonauts. You will finally get to blow out the candles on your own cake (since that apparently is so fun you have to “help” everyone else on their birthdays). You are excited to turn five. You see the opportunities and growth ahead! I will lean into your enthusiasm and cheer you on, because you know what? Mr. Five Year Old, you are my baby.
Love you forever and ever and ever,
Mommy
