Ryder, yesterday we had a Batman themed birthday party, at your request, to celebrate you turning four. You were in heaven, and I’m sitting here still trying to process how it’s possible that you’re just NOW turning four. It seems like you should have reached this milestone 18 months ago.
Your mom will say you’re “advanced” for your age. I don’t like the connotation or social pressures that word comes with, but you clearly are beyond your years. You process concepts, ideas, really everything far better than any kids I’ve seen your age. You articulate how you feel, think, etc. incredibly well. And then of course you’re big for your age too.
It comes in handy. We’ve been lying about your age for junior ninja class for the last two or three months since their required minimum is four years old. And you understand enough to know to play along when there. You are THRILLED to be going to ninja class now and it’s been great for you.
You generally shy away from physical activity unless it’s wrestling. You don’t like to walk long distances or do anything that resembles exercise. You’d prefer lounging and enjoying some snacks. But you seem to be turning a corner on that and we’re doing long walks to the park (and back) with increasingly less resistance on your part.
You are a handful. And that’s putting it lightly. You are non-stop energy, always wanting to do something, demanding attention. You never stop talking and you have one volume – extra loud! You’re constantly inventing “games” we all have to partake in. They often include some variation of me holding you horizontally and chasing your brother around the yard. Just about every game has some sort of chasing element.
You don’t take no for an answer. Like ever. Your mom is better at denying your insane requests but you’ve had me wrapped around your finger for at least the last six months, oftentimes busting out the irresistible “cute face”. I can’t help saying yes to you. Maybe it’s because you’re just too damn cute, or perhaps I’m trying to make up for the first 12-18 months where we weren’t super connected. I don’t know, but I’m enjoying it.
You love HARD. Bear hugs, big kisses, and snuggles are non-stop. I am taking them all because I don’t know how long they will last. I carry you upstairs, upon your request, every night for bedtime. I love that too. On my nights to put you down I sing your songs, hang out for a bit, and then give you a kiss goodnight when you, like clockwork, ask for “just one more minute”. You turn toward me, jam your face into mine, and throw that big chunky arm across the side of my face. There’s nothing more pure and sweet than those couple minutes we spend like that.
You LOVE your brother and look up to him a great deal. You need his approval on nearly every decision you make. You’ve gotten a lot better with him this year. Before, you were too aggressive and physical which pushed him away most times. But you’ve learned how to temper that a bit and you two are jiving much better these days. It will only continue to improve, I hope.
You know how to command a room. Your mom and I agree you could talk anyone into just about anything. I’m so curious where that’s going to lead you. Your energy is contagious. Thank you for being you, big guy. I love you so damn much. Happy 4!