Jackson is FOUR

On January 31st, our sweet Jackson turned FOUR!  We celebrated with cake, a birthday party at his preschool, and dinner at Mellow Mushroom.  Our friends the Harbucks ended up joining us, and we had so much fun!

A fearsome four-year-old

His four year old check-up kept getting delayed because of ice storms, snow, and all the other crazy weather we have been having this month.  But yesterday we went for his 4 year old check up and shots, and he was 40 inches tall (50%) and 35.4 pounds (50%). He was so brave with his shots and finger prick and did NOT cry.  So proud of my big boy.

Jackson loves to draw, color, work on his "letters" in his "office" (just like daddy), and is quite the independent little man.  He loves books and we just finished reading together "Alice in Wonderland" (what an odd book), just started "Little House on the Prairie," in the middle of "Stuart Little" and "Mr. Popper's Penguins," "Boxcar Children," plus every other child's book around. :)

This boy can down a cupcake like it is nobody's business

Jackson is hiding a slew of items inside his shirt

Some sweet things he says (in the midst of the temper tantrum typical 4-year-old days):

1) Jackson will often ask "How is your day going?", and he wants you to ask him in return.  The response is always, "Good!" and now Ellie has picked up and responds in kind.  He will sometimes also say, "God, how is your day going?"  (long pause...)  "Good!  Okay, good!"

2) I love how both children say their prayers only in the terms of "I'm thankful for..."  Out of the mouth of babes. Shouldn't we all do that?

3) Occasionally I get the comments of "Mama, you're my best buddy," or "Good job Mama!" or "Thanks for doing that for me Mama!"  Motivation to press on, weary warrior mama.

4) He is super sweet with Ellie (when they're not wrestling or fighting over a toy), and is very concerned if she ever gets hurt or has a boo-boo.  Sweet, protective big brother.