The big boy turned 4!

Dear Daniel,

What a big boy you are all of a sudden! You have been talking about your birthday for the past couple of months and when the big day finally arrived you said that you didn't want to turn 4 and asked when your birthday party was happening. You continued to ask about your party throughout the day and when we reminded you of the party you already had, you responded by saying "oh, it's after my nap" and then walked out of the room.

You had lots of celebrations before the big day even arrived. You got a birthday party at the Little Gym with all your family and friends and your little brother! You chose a dinosaur theme and had a blast running around playing. The day before your birthday we took a special family trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. You had a blast running around looking at all the fish. Still a little too shy to touch any of them when given the opportunity. The finding nemo tank is still a favorite.

Then the big day arrived and we spent it as a family. Went to your Little Gym class in the morning and then after your nap went to pick out a toy and to dinner at Dickey's. Oh and you got 2 cupcakes plus ice cream after your dinner.

Everyday you are becoming more of a little boy and less of that pudgy toddler. You adore your little brother and squeeze and hug him much more often and much tighter than he likes. You are excited to feel your baby brother kicking in mommy's tummy and have (without our consent) named him Collin. You still love playing with trains and rolling them around the table for what seems like hours on end. Your imagination is blossoming as we listen to your elaborate stories you make up during play.

You love your teacher, Ms. Jeannie and sometimes slip and call mommy that instead. You love to share what you are learning about in school and ask lots of questions about everything. Daddy is very patient and answers all your questions.

One of the things you do that make us laugh is say "what did you say" in a very serious voice. You are very intense when describing something or roaring like a lion. You are still easily frustrated but getting so much better and trying new things. You can get your self dressed and undressed (when you want to) and love to help others when you can. You are taking more risks now, like walking across the high beam at the Little Gym. You are also getting pretty good at telling jokes and like to say "I'm joking you". And yes, you still have some doozies of tantrums but thanks to your increased vocabularly, those are getting better too. You are sweet, stubborn, funny, kind, curious, intense, smart and silly. You like to do what you like to do, sometimes at the risk of not listening. You give the best hugs.

When you were born 4 years ago, you made us a family and our lives have never been the same. We love you so much and can't wait to see what the future holds for you.

Lots of Love,
Mommy & Daddy