To My Precious Little Man,
You are four years old today and I know you are waking up this morning very excited. You have anticipated turning four for quite some time and I am glad the day has finally arrived for you. It is no surprise that I greet my four year old this morning with mixed feelings. This age is absolutely the most fun I think your daddy and I have had with you, but at the same time I look at pictures of you as a baby and toddler and miss those wonderful times with you as well.
I have been thinking about my annual birthday letter to you for about the past week and so many thoughts run through my head and there are so many things I want to say. I do not know how to adequately put into words my feelings for you. You are such a special boy and I wish you could understand how much I love you. My heart is so full with love for you that often my heart hurts. That sounds crazy doesn’t it? Only if and when you have your own children will you understand. You are beautiful inside and out and your daddy and I are so proud of you.
As I look back over this past year and all the changes that have occurred, it must be mentioned the most significant! You became a big brother and what a wonderful big brother you are! We knew before Griffin was even born, you would adjust well and love him and take care of him. You did not disappoint us. You exceeded all of our expectations as a son and as a big brother to Griffin. Please know that we could tell at times it was hard for you. I have seen the disappointment in your eyes when Griffin needs me and I have to walk away from you. It tears me apart to see you look down or walk away, but you have always handled yourself with such grace and with support for Griffin’s needs too. Even though you did not have a choice on becoming a big brother, you have chosen to be selfless (most of the time) and have shared your special time with Mommy and Daddy. For that your daddy and I will always be grateful. You have shown such love for Griffin it melts our hearts. The kisses you give Griffin are a joy to witness. We cannot wait to see your relationship with Griffin flourish over the years.
This year the side of you filled with compassion for others has shown through. One of my proudest moments this year occurred when a mommy from your school came up to me to tell me that you had been such a good friend to her son. She told me her son was hesitant to come into the classroom at the beginning of the school year. You told him it would be OK and to come inside the room and play with you. You grabbed his hand and walked in the room together. You were such a good friend to him and I am so proud of how thoughtful you are to others. The other day I explained to you about your school’s canned food drive and the importance of sharing what we have with others. We asked you to use some of your own money along with Mommy and Daddy’s money to buy food for those less fortunate. Without any complaints you took coins from your piggy bank and went shopping with me for food. You showed such excitement as you chose the cans you wanted to purchase with your own money. We hope the thoughtfulness and compassion you have for others now will be a characteristic you carry throughout your life.
We are constantly amazed by your intelligence and curiosity. You have an incredible memory that often stuns your daddy and I. You also have really good listening ears too which keeps us on our toes constantly. You have done so well in school this year and we look forward to continuing to see you learn and grow academically.
This past year you have had some wonderful experiences from the Great Wolf Lodge with friends, Dallas World Aquarium, The Children’s Museum, Ft. Worth and Dallas Zoo, Six Flags, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, Monster Truck Show, baseball games, outdoor festivals, Plano Balloon Festival, State Fair of Texas, horse back riding, numerous birthday parties, trips to bounce house places, play dates with friends and so on. You participated in Soccer Tots, swimming classes, and gymnastics. We are so thankful we have been able to give you the opportunity to experience so many wonderful things. We love to see your excitement and appreciation for each of these fun outings. We look forward to introducing you to many more things and have more fabulous adventures with you.
Although I would not trade those wonderful “big” memories with you, the special times you and share before bedtime are some of my favorite. From reading you books, to playing our nightly game of trying to find you under the covers, to often laying down next to you in bed and talking about the day, I will always cherish these times with you above all. It is our “mommy and Nolan” time. I love that when I say I need to say goodnight and go, that you pull me close and ask for just a few more minutes. If only I did not have to go, but always be by your side. I want you to know the last thing I do every night before going to bed is kiss your sweet face.
Although our family has grown this year, you will ALWAYS have a very special place in my heart reserved just for you. I will admit I was not sure how my feelings and love would change or shift once Griffin arrived, but please know I only love you more intensely and deeper now than I did before.
So Happy Birthday to My Sweet Little Four Year Old (aka Little Man and Buddy)! Your daddy and I wish you the very best this year. Thank you for being perfect in our eyes and giving us more than we could ever give you. We love you to the moon and back!
Love,
Mommy (and Daddy too)
Happy Birthday, our sweet Nolan! You have brought so much love and joy into our lives… We can’t wait to spend another year with you. Thank you for being YOU !!!! Love Mi Mi and Pa Pa PS Your mommy’s letter is such a sweet tribute to you.
Four birthday letters, four touching letters, and….four seperate sets of tears. We all love Nolan!
Nolan,
Happy Birthday, we first met your Dad when he was the age you are today! We would love for you to come the Heber Springs sometime.
Love,
Muncy and Pam
happy birthday nolan! I can’t believe you are 4! your uncle monkey & I always miss you but days like this more than ever! your mommy’s letter made me cry at 6:00 am this am while I was feeding your new cousin lily. you have the best parents around. they are right – you are a special boy and a fabulous big brother. you deserve all of the happiness in the world! we love you!