Drew Emerson is 4 today

Dear Drew,

Today is your fourth birthday. You are a very smart boy. So smart, that today you told me that some babies are made in the oven with hot dogs. I think I was in junior high before I knew how babies were made, so you're way ahead of the game. When I told you that I loved your brain, you said, yeah, it knows lots of stuff!

This year you've really gotten into sports. You tried soccer out in the spring and then started basketball in the fall. You say that you like basketball most. You have learned to dribble and shoot a pretty good basket. We love going to watch your games...and so do you! Sometimes you're on the court checking out what everyone else is doing rather than participating in the game. That's is happening less and less, though. I think as the games go on you've really started to catch on.

You love to be a helper. You are always getting your tools to help Dad out with a project. Or your offering to put clean dishes away out of the dishwasher or set the table for dinner. I wonder how long you actually enjoy these tasks...but I know that you will always have the helping spirit.

You are sometimes wise beyond your years. I see it everyday, but most obviously over Christmas. At a gift exchange at school, you saw that your friend had not received very much from Santa's visit. You were so willing to give some of your gift away to your friend. You didn't resist at all. I know that you didn't understand what a huge gesture that was, but know that I don't know many three year old willing to share much of anything. Your kindness does not go unnoticed.

This year you have also shown some serious bravery. This spring you were hooked with a major lure. You had to have it surgically removed and had to go with the doctor into the operating room all by yourself. What a strong and brave boy you were! 

Speaking of brave...this year you also finally felt comfortable in the water. You were swimming around all by yourself and even jumped off the dock by yourself. So many times, in fact, that you got a rash from your life jacket rubbing you raw.

One more thing that I'd like to remember about this year. Naps. You are still taking naps! Well, I'm thinking that you're finally ready to give up the daily nap (although, if we could move bedtime to 8 PM instead of 7, you'd still take one everyday). Since school started in August we have gotten in the habit of laying down together for your nap. We snuggle up and go to sleep. I know that my snuggle days are numbered, so I'm trying to soak up as many as I can get. You are so sweet. At nap time you try to make sure that you are laying so close to me that every part of you is touching me. I'm going to miss your naps and all our snuggles.

I have so enjoyed this year of getting to know you more and more as you grow. You bring joy to me every day. I appreciate so much the humor and kindness that you bring to our family. Lily and Julianna are so lucky to have a brother that treats them so lovingly (most of the time). Dad and I are so lucky to have a son that makes us laugh everyday.

I can't wait to see what's next!

Love,

Mommy