Happy 4th Birthday, Maxton James!

Hey Mister,

Your mom takes way too many pictures and does not have the patience for scrapbooking or getting photos developed.  To document your life we will make due with slide shows done to music. Now, this is a slide show for you, for me, for Dad and for the other most important people in your life. There are a lot of photos. A LOT. I love to photograph your face, your toes, your hands, your  day to day goings on, and your precious smile.

At 4 years of age you are so many things: cuddly, silly, quirky (you are obsessed with my hair, obsessed, child.); in love with all things Star Wars, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Batman/Spiderman/Ironman, Toy Story, you love to talk about butts and poop, you enjoy puzzles and drawing, you at times can be a picky eater and still have the lean little boy body you've had for a couple years now, your reddish hair is becoming darker, your eyes are as brown as ever and melt my heart each and every day. Your giggle makes me smile and when you have to pee you hold out until you've bounced off every single wall in the house (annoying me just a tad (that's being nice), son).

You started preschool this fall and your teacher and parent helpers have nothing but sweet things to say about you. They notice your sweet shy smile, the way you listen and follow along in whatever the class is doing, and your eagerness to join in the songs and dances of the day. Your dad and I are so so so so very proud of you.

Your sister loves you very much. She's a firecracker, but has such a soft spot in her heart for her younger "brover".

You play  well with your friend, Nori, and your cousin Harlie. Cutest trio ever. Your cousin Micah and you are mischievous little rugrats and enjoy pestering your sisters. It's pretty hilarious to watch. Your older cousins, Cody and Austin, like to look after you. Your grandparents adore you.

As I'm writing this you are recovering from your first sports related head injury...needing two staples to the head.

Life at home with you and your sister has been wonderful and hard and a constant learning experience. These are days filled with laughter and tears, arguments and spilled milk, laundry and cuddles, dishes and dessert. Holding you as we waited in the ER last night made me realize (again) that I will have no other job ever in my life that is as important as being your mother.

I love you so completely. And I will forever. Happy Birthday, Max.

Love,
Mama

Maxton James 2-4 years from The Creegs on Vimeo.