To Michael, On Your Fourth Birthday
March 15, 2009
Dear Michael,
This has not been a banner year for us Michael. I got sick. You had a traumatic accident. You also came down with a bad case of the threes. People say four is better. I'm not holding my breath.
This is the year you lost all your babyhood. No one would mistake you for a baby, and G-d forbid anyone dare call you a baby. "I'm a big boy," you will inevitably reply. Because you are.
This is also the year we made you use the potty. You are still not so sure that was a good idea.
And Disney. We can not forget Disney.
You are smart as whip. You are funny. You are sweet. Your laugh could make the whole world laugh with you. You are dying to learn how to read. You love to play on the computer and all you want in life is an iPhone for your very own.
You inquisitiveness never ceases to amaze me. You ask questions about things I never would have thought of. And even though all the why, how, and when can drive me batty after a while, I hope you never lose that. Mark my words, you are a lawyer in training, because you believe you can negotiate everything. Bedtime, bath time, dessert, more tv, all negotiable. No does not mean no, it means, "but Mommy," "how about," "I have an idea," or my favorite, "let's talk about this."
Michael, I used to think that you were the best thing I had ever done but I realize now that this is no longer true. I no longer take credit for who you are. You are your own person. A little bit me, some your dad, but all you. (Except your crazy stubbornness. You get that all from your father. I am not stubborn at all.) You are no longer the best thing I have ever done, but you are my favorite person in the world.
It is my job to raise you. It is my job to shape you and to make you into a hopefully responsible and productive adult. It is the hardest job I have ever had and I have never loved a job more.
I love you Michael, bunches and bunches and scrunches. Never doubt that and never forget it. Happy 4th Birthday.
Love,
Mommy
Adapted for DC Metro Moms from Jodi's personal blog jodifur. Jodi writes, a lot, about being a wife, mother, attorney, and everything in between. You can also follow Jodi on twitter.
