Four and a Half

Dear Abe,

A couple weeks ago we had someone over to our house to measure for new carpeting. You know, a stranger that we have never met. This is what you said to her,

"Hi my name is Abe, and this is my brother Sam."

Maybe you thought she didn't give you the correct reaction, because you then followed it up with,

"Hi. My name is Abe, and I like to party."

I am not sure what the carpet lady thought of that, but me and your father were dying laughing. Only four and a half and such a good movie quoter. Your father and I have done well.

So, yes, you are quite the character. Sometimes you really surprise me with the way you can command an audience, or how you have such great comedic timing, because overall your personality is not one that has to be the center of attention. I mean, we aren't on the phone with the people from iCarly to feature you in the next episode, but sometimes, just sometimes, I catch a bit of a showman coming out in you.

The video below is from your Winter Program at school. I featured a video previously of your psycho brother running around. You, on the other hand, were so excited yet not running around like a mad man. When it was time for your class to line up in the back you listened to directions and did as you were told. When you came out, you were front and center and singing your song so well. See below:



What I don't have on tape, is how between your two songs you had the entire audience (parents) cracking up at your jokes. I was completely floored that you were on a stage, making adults laugh, and loving every second. It should be interesting to see if this talent pans out (fingers crossed that a career in SNL is in your future!)

I feel like you have grown about three feet in 6 months. Every time someone sees you they ask if you have grown an inch. Your pants are getting shorter and your arms are sticking out farther in your sleeves. It is like watching a Chia pet grow. You are also eating like a maniac, and never seem to be satisfied. I thought that this time was going to come when you were in high school, on the swim team, but apparently I better start a savings account for groceries because the cost is going to be astronomical.



You are learning so much every day at school, and really in life, I suppose. You come home and tell us about different modes of transportation you learned about, and now you spell out all your favorite words and friends' names.

Last month we went to the children's museum, and you were so excited to see the dinosaurs. You had been learning about them at school, and even knew some of their names. When we get there, the dinosaur exhibit is down a big ramp, and as you get closer it gets darker and you can hear the sounds of dinosaurs and bugs and birds and all of that. You started slowing your pace, and then eventually just stopped and said, "I am NOT going down there." We tried to explain that there aren't real dinosaurs down there and that it is just a recording of sounds, but you weren't having it. So, we said, Okay, and went somewhere else. About 10 minutes later, you decided that you were ready to take on the dinosaurs. And, you did and you loved it. I have learned that you will do things when you are good and ready, at your own pace, at that is okay.

You think things through (maybe too much), but at the very least you come up with some really good questions. For example, while at church the other day (which you call Jesus's house -- it worked when you were little) you had to go to the bathroom so I took you to a little bathroom off to the side. When you got in there you said, "Jesus has BLACK toilets!?!" Like, wow, this guy JC is some wild and crazy dude to have black toilets, because all of ours are white.

You are still a good big brother to Sam, or "Sammy" as you call him. I think you are getting excited about the fact that he likes the same things as you do. And, it is becoming quite clear to you that you are the older brother, and with it comes some pros and cons. Pros: Staying up later. Cons: Getting in trouble for "knowing better." I know, it sucks. I was the oldest too. But I see how Sam watches you and tries to do things like you, and I am sure you see it too. I am so happy that you are a pretty gentle guy, so that you will be a little gentler with Sam as he starts annoying you more and more. Because, he will. Probably a lot.



You are growing up so fast (I know, so cliche), but it is true. You are turning into such a great young man, who will most likely be two feet taller than in two years. I am enjoying this ride of your childhood so much, I just wish it wasn't going so fast. The other night when you were sleeping I just had to take a picture of your bedroom, because I wanted to remember it this way. Your Toy Story and Mario posters, your stuffed animals, and your tiny body in the giant bed.



I will love you forever
I'll love you for always
As long as I'm living
My baby you'll be.

Love,
Mama