We Have a 4 Year Old

How in the world is it possible. It is a month after Jonah's birthday and I still look at him daily and wonder how he is 4. I hate cliche's in general, but the one's about "time flying when you are having fun" and "kids growing up too fast" sure do ring true. For some reason, this birthday seemed to carry a lot of weight for both Jonah and me. Something about turning "4" felt very milestone-y. His excitement about the impending age change fueled my desire to make it really memorable for him. My only goal for the day of his birth celebration was to make him feel like he was the most special kid in the world. (I don't want him to get the "big head" about himself, but every once in a while is ok, right?!)

The night before his birthday we told him that he had to go to sleep or he couldn't wake up and turn 4. (I highly recommend this tactic. At least until they get a grasp on the fact that time keeps going regardless of their sleeping.) When he woke up in the morning he started his day with pancakes in the shape of trains, tracks, 4's, and J's.

Jonah got his first present after breakfast. Annie and Clarabel from Mimi and Pop Pop! Wow.

After that we asked Jonah what he wanted to do for the day. PARK!! Ok!!

Notice that he is wearing a Thomas badge. It signified that it was his birthday. He made sure to tell everyone who even made eye contact with him that it was indeed his birthday and he was 4. The park ended up being a bit blustery and chilly, despite the sun, so the trip was short lived. We headed to the Playhouse for some indoor play and then asked Jonah what he wanted for lunch. FIVE GUYS!! Ok!! (Not a low-cal day.)

Checking the mail when we got home, we discovered even more goodies that had been sent to Jonah from family all over the place. Cuddling on the couch we opened gifts and cards from Mimi and Pop Pop, Aunt Louise and Uncle David, and the Texas Smiths! Thomas, books, and spending money seemed to be the theme. Jonah has never had his own money before so he found that really intriguing. (It's been extra fun since it has been a chance to teach him about buying things he REALLY wants, manners when shopping, and making change.) He immediately wanted to browse through his new book too. (Dr. Suess' Happy Birthday. SO fun. Reading it in full that night, he kept pointing to himself and smiling when it referenced the birthday person!)

We ended the day with dinner at Mellow Mushroom and dessert at Sweet Frog. (I am telling you...NOT low-cal!!) It was a wonderful day for our little trio. All day long, Jonah kept saying how excited he was, how he was SO happy, and how he loved being 4. I loved seeing his joy and pride of being a big boy, and felt like mission accomplished. He seemed to really feel as celebrated as he is.