You are Finally Four!

James Tracy

I am actually writing this letter to you on the day of your four year old check up which is just about a month after your fourth birthday; a birthday you anticipated so very much! This year with you was just so special. You were so excited to be getting bigger and anxious to show me all the big boy things you can do. We joke that I need to squish you down to keep you little but you always remind me you will hug me and love me forever and with your tender heart I am sure that is true!

This year you started preschool and you love it so much. You love going to school and adore your teacher, Mrs. Jaschek. You have learned so much and can spell the names of many of your classmates as well as write your own name! You are anxious to learn and are so proud to share everything you learn. Everyone who gets to work with you in your classroom has said to me what a sweet kid you are. You are polite, a good friend, eager to help, a rule follower and excited to participate in all aspects of school. It has truly been a gift to watch you in preschool this year and see you come into yourself and excel as a person and student.

I have also loved to watch you as a big brother to Henry. You are so good to him and help him when he needs help. You are his best audience for all his jokes and laugh at him all the time. You share well with him and want him to be a part of everything you are doing. He is so lucky to have you as a big brother and you are so lucky to have him. I hope you always know what a gift it is to have a built in best friend. You two have become even better friends than I expected and it just makes me so very happy.

You became more confident this year and it was so fun to watch. You overcame fears and began to assert yourself more in situations. When you first turned three you had a hard time standing up to other kids who weren't playing nicely but you grew in your confidence and do an awesome job standing up for yourself. You were very timid about swimming when we first started lessons but after summer swim lessons you were able to swim mostly independently and were excited to show us what you could do. Now you walk confidently into swim lessons each week. I have loved to watch you grow in confidence and began to assert yourself and also try new things.

You continue to love sports and all things active but also have started to love games and movies. You and Henry have so much fun playing soccer, baseball and running obstacle courses. You two could play sports with each other all day. You have also loved going to open play at gymnastics. A new love of yours is games. We are constantly playing Guess Who, Memory, Candyland, Trouble and the wii video game system. You have a blast trying to win but you are always a good sport and say, "Good game".

Trace, I truly couldn't cherish you more. I am lucky to be your mom. I am constantly told what a sweet kid you are and how smart you are. Everyone sees your great personality and your love for others. I hope your kind heart never ever changes because I know it will take you far in this world. You are a special kid, Trace, and I hope there's not a day of your life that you don't know that.

I love you more than you will ever know!

Mom

Henderson Reid, on your Second Birthday

Oh Henderson Reid,

Being your mom is such a treat! You have determination beyond your years, a smile and laugh that can melt any heart and the most fun loving little spirit. If there is anything I can be sure of it's that you will not let any opportunity pass you by! You are going to do great things in this world!

This year you started to love all things active. You can throw a ball with the best of them. You can ride a scooter fast up and down the street. You are a great climber, hiker and runner. Somehow amid all the activity you are also very cautious. You are constantly checking your surroundings to make sure it is safe to jump or climb. You are the most cautiously brave little guy I have ever seen. I love watching you test yourself and push yourself to try new things. This summer you also LOVED the water. You asked every morning to fill the water table up so you could squirt water all over the backyard. At the pool you would jump right in and let yourself go under the water before popping back up. You are just so brave and always wanting to try new things. I cannot wait to see what you choose to excel at when you get bigger because I know you will be great at whatever sport or activity you choose.

This year you also fell more into your role as a little brother. You love to follow Trace around and play with him. You both love to make each other laugh and have a blast running around and giggling together. You have just about the best laugh ever so Trace loves to see what he can do to make you giggle away! You boys play so well together and I hope you always know what a treasure it is to have a brother and best friend in Trace. He loves you so much! I am so glad you both have each other.

Although we always joke that you are our wild guy, you are always so tender hearted and loving. You give the best hugs and cuddle so well when you slow down enough to do so. You can be such a sweet daddy's boy and make him feel so special when he comes home from work at night. You are so smart and such a great talker. We have the best little conversations where you talk about what you see and share with me how you see the world. You are the littlest cousin and so loved by all your cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

Henry, you never cease to amaze me. I want you to know I feel very lucky you are more. You are a treasure and a light to all of my days. Thank you for being you! Here's to year number three. I cannot wait to see what it will hold for you.

All my love on your second birthday!
Mom