Happy Fourth Birthday to My Middle Bear:)

Andrew,

So lately, I am curious if you are drinking Red Bull in the morning. After you break out of your morning fog, you walk up to me as I am nursing Sarah, grab onto her arm while yanking violently and yell, "Sa Rah girl, Sa Rah girl, Sa Rah girl!!!!!" It reminds me of the scene out of the Chipmunks where Uncle Ian gives the Chipmunks frappuccinos!

"Drewby, Drewby, Drewby, be soft. And please don't yell so loud."

Then you get your feelings hurt and you run off to your room screaming. And so it begins. This is all before I have even got my eyes all the way open!
You love that little girl and you dote on her all of the time, I am just waiting for the day that you learn to be a little bit more gentle with her! Maybe when she is old enough to whack you??

You are all boy! You could care less if there is a mess on your face, on your hands, or in your pants! In fact, you do not notice at all. You are the one who comes inside completely covered with sand from head to toe after playing in the sandbox and you would eat pudding with your hands if we would let you.

You do not notice if your socks, shirts, or pants are on inside out. All boy, yes you are.

You are so strong! When you were a baby, Dylan would mess with you like you mess with Sarah.

Not so much anymore! Dylan has come to me many of times crying because you hurt him! You definitely know how to hold your own. When daddy plays "bear" with you guys, Dylan stands in the back and strategizes while sending you in to do the dirty work. As in jumping on daddy's back, punching daddy, etc. You have no fear!

You also have a very tender side. You will be very romantic like your daddy. You feel deeply. You give mommy and daddy massages when you hear us say that our backs hurt. The best massages I have ever had. Then your hands get tired and you stop while making promises that you will do it again tomorrow. Oh, and you play with my hair! It is wonderful. Geez, I love you so much sweet Drewby.

Let's not forget your climbing abilities! You started climbing as soon as you could crawl, and I knew that we were in trouble. You may have some gymnast in you. You can climb and you are very good at balancing, twisting, and tumbling. Even doing flips off of the couch. I know, it's a little bit scary!

You love to eat! Which makes your daddy and I so proud! You will eat almost anything we give you! This also boosts my confidence that maybe I am not the only factor to Dylan being such a finicky eater. Thanks Drewby:)

Let us not forget your love for milk though! You would probably forgo eating and only drink "coffee and creamer" if you could. (Coffee and creamer is milk with a little bit of vanilla creamer in it.)

You are our cuddle buddy. (And daddy will say that you are HIS cuddle buddy, but you are mine too:)) There was a period in time where every morning, you would go get your milk from the fridge and then crawl into our bed and cuddle with your daddy for a while. I am pretty sure that was his favorite time of the day. You don't do that anymore, but we both still get our cuddle time in with you as often as we can.

You are just like your daddy, and you start snoring as soon as you can be still for one minute! I worried about you when you were a baby because you snored so loud! I thought you couldn't breathe. Turns out you are just a heavy sleeper with some allergies.

Oh yeah, you are allergic to nuts. So sad. Since you were two, you have always been so on top of this. Someone will offer you something to eat and you will ask, "does it have nuts in it?" Amazing. You are so, so smart. This is daddy teaching you.

You have a smile that lights up the room! Your joy and carefree spirit is contagious!

With the intensity of your joy, also comes the intensity of your pain. When you are hurt or upset, the whole world comes crashing down.

(Dylan took this picture!)

You will sacrifice anything for your brother. You love him so much and you are always willing to compromise for him. You will share your favorite toys, or do just about anything to stop Dylan from crying or being upset.

You, my sweet boy, are a blessing to the world and to this family. We love you so much and we love seeing your personality develop more and more. You are wonderfully and fearfully made and I can't wait to see all the ways God uses you in this life. Thank you for being you. Happy fourth birthday precious Drewby!

Our Song (to the tune of Jesus loves the little children...sort of)

Mommy loves her little Drewby. Loves her strong, brave, handsome, Drew. When he's happy, mad or sad, mommy loves him all the time. Mommy loves her little strong, brave, handsome, wonderfully and fearfully made, awesome, amazing, smart Drewby do!!

(One more picture just because it is too cute not to post!)