Four Years Old

I know I keep saying it (and it's getting harder each year) but how in the world is my little boy already four?

How do I want to remember Buddy at four years old?

He is silly (borderline crazy).  Buddy constantly makes up new words- thing-a-ma-doodle is my favorite.  After dinner, Buddy races to the couch, stands on the ottoman and shouts "It's jumpin' time! You don't know what jumpin' time is!" and rockets himself onto the couch.  Sometimes Derek and I just look at each other and wonder how in the world Buddy ever even came up with the idea to do whatever it is he is doing.     

He is smart.  Ask Buddy any fact about animals, and he will know the answer.  Buddy's strengths are different than Punky's were at this age but I definitely know that Buddy is a smart kid.  

He challenges us.  There have been some pretty terrible fits, but most often it is the not listening that gets to us.  And sometimes the not listening and not accepting "no" from us, leads to hitting.  On the flip side, Buddy is also a softy and is afraid a lot too.  He takes forever to fall asleep and comes downstairs multiple times every night.  Around 2 or 3 every morning, he ends up in our bed.  I love it and hate it at the same time.

He loves to draw.  I have been seriously impressed with all the drawings Buddy comes up with.  A few weeks ago, I bought a giant roll of white paper meant for an easel at IKEA.  It is nearly gone.  When we had family over for Labor Day weekend, we rolled a giant piece out and all the adults helped Buddy create an ocean scene.  Buddy directed us all and helped with some great animals.  Buddy is usually drawing animals or dinosaurs and more often than not I can actually tell what the animal is supposed to be. I really should photograph and scan in some of his best works.  

He likes to play with Punky.  When Punky started kindergarten last week, Buddy was a little lost without her.  He's adjusted well though.  But, every chance he gets, the two of them are playing together like best friends.  

He loves animals.  We caught approximately 13 grasshoppers, 24 dragonflies, and 19 worms this summer.  And they lived in Buddy's dollar store bug cage in the house (or garage if I could convince him).  And don't forget about Hopster #3.  Buddy's favorite toys/books/TV shows/clothes constantly revolve around animals or dinosaurs.  Everyone who knows him keeps remarking that he will one day be a zookeeper or have some sort of job with animals.  Forget about superheros, trucks or sports, this kid loves animals.    

We love you, Buddy!