We had crab legs, at your request, for your birthday dinner.
Dear Xavier,
How can it be that you're four now? A big boy for sure. You hate being in your sister's shadow and so you insist on doing everything that she does, sometimes much to her chagrin. You also refuse to let anyone call you little, even though you are the smallest (yet oldest) kid in your class.
You're also the child who gives me the most anxiety. You're my wandering child who loves to explore and who has never had a problem approaching just anybody for a free hug. Yep, you're always finding ways to get yourself into trouble - like the Lego incident when it got stuck in your mouth when we told you not to put it in there to begin with. Because if something is off-limits, it becomes all the more intriguing to you.
But, at the same time, you're also oh, so loving. I melt every time you randomly come up to me just to tell me you love me or when you just slip your hand in mine. And, seriously, your hugs are just the best. They are so squeeze-able and tight, it's no wonder you love to give them away to anyone who happens to be near.
You can still give me a good tantrum, though, but it seems you save the best ones for me. Like all three (now four!)-year-olds, rationalizing with you can be tricky, and you always have to be right and this can lead to some difficult situations.
But you're definitely growing up. You're so smart and active and always willing to learn. You pay attention to everything and you ask oh, so many questions!
We spent your fourth birthday camping for the first time with friends. You had a blast, except when Lissie decided to play with her friend instead of you. That feeling of being left out was a difficult one for you to grasp, and it took you a while to recover from being hurt. But you did love all of the camping food (yum, s'mores!) and sleeping in a tent, even during a thunderstorm.
We ended your birthday with a feast, at your request: Lola's pancit, butterfly shrimp, and crab legs. And an ice cream cake of your choice to top it off! Whew!
You are just so uniquely you, and it's so hard for me to express exactly what that means.
Some of your loves:
Swimming
Your sister
One-on-one time with mommy or daddy
Riding your bike
Ninja Turtles (despite never having seen the show/movie)
All things turtles
Playing games
Food
Cooking with mommy
Some of your dislikes:
Not getting your way
Not having all of the attention
Being left out
Being called "small" or "too little" to do something
Being wet (hating any type of wet clothing - you need to change immediately after swimming)
Stay sweet and hug-able forever.
Love always,
Mommy
And, as always, our yearly interview:
And some pics taken throughout the year:
Turtles are your fave.
More turtles.
Mangia is your favorite restaurant.
Eating out is seriously your favorite hobby
Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue!
Swimming is your favorite.
Your signature cheesy grin
This is typical, silly you.
The birthday boy with Father Bala, who baptized you only a few days after your birth.
