Dear Owen

Dear Owen,

I can't believe you are 4 years old! You are one very smart, curious, cautious, sensitive, sweet and caring little boy. I have to admit age 3 was not a cake walk and not one of my favorites but it did have many high points and sweet moments which I was very grateful for. It was the year of change for you which I know was not easy. One of your best friends Gisella moved away to MN in February, you lost your best buddy and partner in crime Ashton when his brother Alex was born in March, you gained a little sister in April who to this day you still ask if she can go back and live in mommy's tummy, you started preschool in the fall which was the first time you were away from me for an extended period of time, your bedroom -- which you love -- also became Addie's which is a tough concept when you are 3, and on top of everything else, you are growing, getting more curious and learning to test every boundary that's thrown your way. I often said you were like jackal and hyde as one minute you would be happy as can be and in a blink of an eye you would turn into a puddle on the floor in distress. You also learned to talk back and say "NO" and scream at the top of your lungs when you were not getting your way. Most of the time both Daddy and I viewed this as your outlet because you didn't know how to process being frustrated or disappointed when you didn't get your way or you were extremely jealous -- siblings will do that to you esspecially when you have been the center of our world for 3 and a half years and all of the sudden a little baby comes home needing a lot of our attention and you can't comprehend why. Let's just say it was not a very easy year, but you did have some very sweet moments too.

You have a wonderfully sweet heart and you constantly shower me with hugs, kisses and snuggles all of the time. You are still and I think will always be a mommy's boy. You have a very precious and sensitive side who hates to see anyone cry and always wants to take their tears away. You love adventures and having people come and visit and visiting other peoples houses. You constantly ask to go to Grammie and Papa's house and if you could move Noah to Boston, you would. I think you always have a song playing in your head and love music. You have started singing along to the songs on the radio, you love to make up and sing your own songs and you love to dance. Speaking of dancing, I think you have ants in your pants all of the time because you are always moving and can't sit still. You are a very active kid and although you do enjoy tv to get a little rest in, the highlight of your day is when you are moving, scootering, bike riding, jumping, chasing Lexi or any other game your little brain comes up with. This year was also when you fell in love with dogs. You acquired multiple dog stuffed animals and you pretty much carried around either tire dog, brownie, little chase, big chase, and a few I'm sure I'm forgetting some, everywhere you went. Little Chase was by far the doggie nearest to your heart and became somewhat of a "lovie." You also have an amazing little imagination and listening to your pretend play is just precious. You have always been good at playing by yourself when you want to and your active imagination holds a world full of adventures providing many hours of fun which is fun to watch. You also say some pretty funny things and make us laugh everyday. I think my favorite phrase is your directions to disney land. "Mom, you take 3 turns and then there is a parking lot." Oh Owen if only it was that easy we would be there all of the time I promise :). Since you started to talk you have always called your hands "crabbies" and funny thing is you still call them "crabbies." And the most magical thing that happened this year was your discovery of Santa Clause and the magic of Christmas. You were so excited for Christmas this year and you really made it so magical for all of us.

You are so special to us and we love you more than you will ever know. Your little spit-fire comebacks, adventurous spirit and caring warm heart make you one of a kind and truly our little "o-w-e-n." We love you Owen. Thank you for showing us just how special all of the little moments in life are. Never loose your tenacious spirit. You are one of a kind and we can't wait to see what being 4 brings.

Happy 4th birthday sweet boy.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy