Yesterday was a busy day – started with opening ceremonies and a parade for T-Ball/Little League, then we had a break, then the first T-ball game, then a birthday party at the neighbor’s house. Phew!

As I write this, Preston is walking around with my DSLR taking (what I am sure are) blurry, silly pictures. Today is his birthday. Four years ago, we walked into the hospital at our appointed time and waited for Dr. M to finish his lunch so our baby could be born.

The numbers of changes of the years that this little boy has gone through are amazing. The number of ways he is different than his big brother boggles the mind.

Preston, at 4, is still fighting using the bathroom consistently. He knows his letters and a lot of numbers (as in more than 1-10), but still isn’t sure how to spell his name and doesn’t like to write or color. He is obsessed with cars – matchbox/hot wheels, remote control cars, real cars. He can name car brands and models from a mile away. More than anything, when he is tired or upset, he needs his bear and juice and to lay on the couch with a blanket. He is my cuddle bug – still willing to sit with me and give hugs and kisses and dole out the ‘I love yous’ without a moment of hesitation. He is stubborn and independent and sweet and smart; he is sneaky and silly and talkative and loud. He is my love and heart, walking around outside my body. And today, he is 4.

The Many Faces of Preston

I don’t normally write letters to my kids here…but for some reason tonight, I kind of feel for it, so here it is.

My dear, sweet Matthew,

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow you are going to be 6 years old.  I so vividly remember being pregnant with you, feeling you move and falling in love with you before I ever saw your face.  You are an amazing little boy – absurdly smart, silly, sensitive and loving.  You’ve grown so much in the last year – the change from 5 to 6 has been filled with amazing discoveries, including you discovering your independence more than ever (your dad and I are totally loving you being able to turn on the tv, the playstation and being able to make your own breakfast!!).  You constantly surprise me by repeating words and facts that you seem to absorb like a sponge. Your ability to read is fantastic (I always hoped for my kids to love to read like I do); your ability to love and be tender with your brother is even better.  Of course, you’re not perfect…you still get whiny when you’re exhausted, you still have issues with the bathroom, and you mimic me way too much, but you are adorable and easy to forgive when you make mistakes. You are handsome, athletic and such a wonderful little boy.  I am lucky to be your mama.  Happy birthday, baby.

Love, Mommy

*PEEP*

new bike