4 Years of Isaiah!

This birthday, was the first time Isaiah was truly aware of all that birthdays entail. Last year, we got away with telling people "No gifts please" at his party. This year, he is obsessed with TOYS! He had special cake requests and asked for all things Paw Patrol! Having his brother's birthday 10 days before his was nearly unbearable for him, so we spread out the birthday present fun by letting them unwrap something every day between their birthdays. Thank you, family and friends, who sent and brought gifts to lengthen their celebration and Birthday Season! It's been a super exciting month.

It's funny how much more likeable some ages are than others. Isaiah's been in a bit of a tantrum stage for... how many years has it been now? I've lost count. But although he still threatens to punch you if you do something he dislikes, he seems to be coming out the other side of the Tantrumy Twos and Threes fairly unfazed, right as his brother is heading in. Praise the Lord for recognizing my limitations as a mother to whiny toddler boys and alternating their moodiness.

I often hear it said that the things that drive you craziest in other people are usually the flaws you recognize in yourself. I suppose this is fairly universal or people wouldn't keep repeating it, but it doesn't really resonate with me. What drives me a bit nutty about Isaiah is his unhurried pace and contentment with his current situation. Do you like how I put a positive spin on his meandering, unmotivated approach to life? I don't think many people would accuse me of having a lack of drive or energy, he's definitely not my mini-me like his brother.

But where Isaiah's personality is a bit slow, his mind is not. Watching him learn is my favorite thing. When he reads a book on his own, or asks for another Bible story, it literally makes my day. Listening to him make up songs is music to my ears, even if the songs leave something to be desired in the music department. When he enchants adults with his conversation skills, it's just too much! And when he prays out loud, it melts this mama's heart.

Some nights, when I carry him to his bed after he falls asleep, I struggle to lift his solid 40 pounds of adorableness. Putting him down is almost as difficult, knowing that these cuddly days are short-lived. I drink in his sweet soft smell and steal a kiss before tucking him in.

I would be more reluctant to let him grow up if he weren't growing into such a smart, funny, handsome, entertaining, little boy. Now, I pray that we can also teach him to be kind, the most important trait of all... 

How many Paw Patrol toys (and a dinosaur) does it take to help blow out 4 candles?

Cute brother hugs in our house are almost always the result of an offense that required an apology.

Sneaky guy found a way to be almost as tall as Angie. (Note the coffee table underneath him.)

Giving up traditional naps means stealing some non-traditional ones.

We should probably set a goal for him to stop sucking his thumb. Is 10 years-old good?