4 Years Old Tomorrow!

Garrison Cade,

Tomorrow you will be 4 years old! Four years ago today we were packing our bags and checking into the hospital ready and waiting to become parents and meet our first baby boy. February 5, 2009 at 12:33 PM you made your debut and we've never been the same. You changed our lives forever and have brought us so much joy and happiness! God truly blessed us beyond measure with you and we are so, so grateful to be your parents.

This year you've grown taller and more mature and are smarter than ever before. You crack us up on a regular basis with the things you say and do! You are always challenging us... with your questions, your amazing memory, and sometimes your attitude. While meltdowns have decreased in number big time this year (which is a huge blessing!), you still test your boundaries and are a little short-tempered, both of which get you into some trouble occasionally.

You love to play with Austin and even though you two have your share of "fights" and rifts, you are the best big brother. You are loving and affectionate and kind. You are willing to share with Austin (most of the time) and are extremely patient with him. You give him a kiss and hug every night before bedtime and insist that you both wear matching pajamas. You sing to him when he's upset and offer him toys to help him feel better. You ask for him first thing in the morning and are anxious for him to wake up from naps so ya'll can play together. I am so happy and thankful that you'll have a forever best friend in your brother and that he'll have one in you.

This year you played your first organized team sport. Soccer! You learned a lot and enjoyed it more and more as the season went on. You're now signed up for wee-ball (4 year old tee-ball) and we're so excited about it because baseball seems to be your favorite sport. You have mentioned playing football when you're bigger but have also let us know that football is scary because you're afraid of getting squished. =) No matter what you decide to play or try out we're excited to watch you and cheer you on! You are definitely athletic and a true sports lover.

 





A FEW FUN FACTS:

*Your taste buds have changed this year! You're more of a meat eater now (yay!) and you don't love the foods you used to absolutely love 6 months ago. Raisins, applesauce, blueberry muffins. We joke that you ate so much of them it made you tired of them.

*You love to wrestle with Austin and daddy.

*You love to work with your hands and make things and take them apart and come up with new ways to use your little tools and toys. We call you an engineer in the making. =)

*One of your favorite things lately is playing Uno. It's a choo choo train version with zoo animals and every night after Austin goes to bed we play a few games with you before it's your turn to go to bed.

*You are very cautious and careful about new situations/environments but once you warm up you're usually good to go.
*Your favorite foods are spaghetti and tacos.
*You love all things BOY... trucks, tools, balls, cars (to play with and drive), and blocks or anything you can build with.
*You don't watch a lot of TV or movies. On most days you pick out one show to watch in the afternoon while Austin is still napping. You love your Letter Factory DVD, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, and occasionally Mickey Mouse and Super Why.
*You are extremely competitive. (We're working on using that competitiveness appropriately.)
*You have a huge sweet tooth! You think you're supposed to have dessert after every meal plus snacks between meals. We've recently started allowing "dessert" after one meal only and every other time you request something it has to be a healthy snack.... fruit, yogurt melts or freeze-dried fruit, dry cereal, crackers, etc.
*You LOVE being read to and love looking at and "reading" books on your own before bedtime and naptime. Right now your favorite thing to read is the Bible. You even request me to read a Bible story during breakfast and supper some days. I'm so excited for you to learn to read!

You've grown and changed a TON in 4 years little man! And we are so thankful we've witnessed it all. It is such a joy to watch you grow and learn and change. We love you (every minute of everyday!) and are so proud of you. Just like your "Baby Bible" says, YOU are one of the best things God made. Happy Birthday tomorrow!! We can't wait to celebrate with you!