mason {four years}

Our big boy turned 4 last week! How did that happen?

He was almost a leap year baby. Luckily, with scheduled c-sections we can work around dates we want to stay away from. So February 28 it was.

To celebrate on his actual birthday, we made our traditional trip to Drubers. This time for lunch instead of breakfast.  And Daddy had a donut cake waiting.

 Daddy was able to meet us there on lunch break, as well as Nana and Papa and some of Mason's friends.

 We were the only people there for most of the time.  Which was a good thing.

What starts out well (you know, quiet, calm children)...only lasts for a certain amount of time.

 A boys only picture.

Later he got to open one present from Mommy and Daddy and then he chose Applebees for dinner.

I begged and begged him to let me take some pictures of him as a brand new 4 year old.  But he begged and begged me not to.  Finally, with some bribing, he agreed to ONE picture.  That was all.

Good thing my shutter can move fast!  I snapped more than one.  But it all happened too fast, that checking my settings was impossible.  So I got what I got, and that's it.

Poor thing got hit in the side of the eye with a plastic bat a few days before.  So he's sporting a pretty good bruise and scrape still.

 He looks like his daddy.  I hear that all the time. But I agree.  So handsome.

We all have blue eyes, but he's the one that got his daddy's eyes.  Exactly.  Same color, same detail, everything. 

 Mason,

At 4 years old there is so much I want to remember about you.  You are your momma's boy, that's for sure! At 4, you still love to cuddle and be held.  And your momma loves that so much. There are so many things about your personality that make us laugh and brings us such joy every day.  And there are things about your personality that challenge us daily too.  But more times than not, your lessons for us are ones that we need - involving learning to slow down, stop what we're doing, and just enjoy you for who you are, with patience and unconditional love.

You're finally starting to become less interested in dolls, dress-up and girly things (which was thanks to your big sister) and more interested in Legos, balls, balls, and more balls.  You love your Shrek ball.  You will play with it for a super duper long time, bouncing it all over the house, shooting it into baskets, playing catch with Dad, and bouncing it off the wall (only the wall that has been designated).  You could also play with a balloon for hours.  Bouncing it back and forth with us, or on your own, keeping it off the ground. 

You love to be with someone and don't really like being alone EVER.  You can write your name and know probably all of your letters.  You are a home-body.  Running errands with mom is okay sometimes, but most of the time, you'd just rather be at home.  Sometimes we have to really talk you into going anywhere - even fun places!  So many times, if I do need to take you with me somewhere, you just beg to go to Nana's instead.

 You are definitely our sweet-tooth.  Pop and chocolate chips are your weakness.  You beg and beg for drinks of our pop any time we have some.  And if I would let you have a small bowl of chocolate chips every afternoon, you'd be in heaven.

You love to watch Sound of Music at Nana's house.  And you are very much getting into watching football and basketball.  You can read the score and you always know when the Wildcats are playing (as long as they are on their home court and you see the big Powercat at center court). You're starting to cheer for OU a bit more too.

I can't believe you'll start preschool this year. I tell you all the time that I'm just not going to let you go because you need to stay home with Mommy forever.  But you explain to me every time that I will be just fine without you (thank goodness for Gavin).

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!  We love you so very much!