Four!

Nathaniel,

You just turned 4 years old, and I am constantly amazed at how “grown up” you are. Everyone says you act like you’re already in Kindergarten! You ask the most intelligent questions, and you’re able to express yourself so well verbally.



I see a lot of myself in you sometimes. You are such a “rules follower” – you’re obsessed with the rules and the law, and you get so upset if someone breaks them. You constantly point out people who break traffic laws, and you try desperately to keep Nicholas from breaking rules around the house. It’s very cute, but I hope it doesn’t cause you unnecessary worry in the future.



You also depend very heavily on people to do what they say they’re going to do, and you’re heartbreakingly disappointed when they don’t. This ranges from Nicholas promising to share a toy with you (then not), to me telling you I’m going to take you to the park (then not), to Daddy telling you he’s going to be home on Wednesday (then not). It’s so hard for me to watch your disappointment take hold, because I feel it so deeply myself, on your behalf. Again, I hope that as you get older, you grow out of some of that, because I don’t want your high expectations of others to lead to a lot of disappointment in your life!



You take such good care of Nicholas and take all of your “responsibilities” very seriously. What a classic “first child” you are! You’ve been known to tackle Nicholas to the ground in the parking lot at school to keep him from walking around behind my car. And you’re his biggest encourager … when he does something well, you yell, “Way to go, Nick-a-liss! HIGH FIVE!” And you raise your hand to give him a high five. It’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.



You are caring, sweet, heartfelt, smart, and “so handsome,” as you point out when you get a haircut. You melt my heart, and I’m so lucky that you are in my life. I love you so!

Love,

Mommy