My Boy is 4

Parker is four today. It is an understatement to say, "I can't believe how fast the time goes." Parker may look identical to my husband, but I think he and I have such a similar make up. Parker is your quintessential type A personality. He likes order, he's comfortable in routines, and his mind operates on one track. Parker gets very focused and involved in whatever task is at hand. He does not handle interruptions well, hence the issues with Kent. If you were to spy on Parker while he is playing with "guys", you'd find that all of his characters are neatly in rows, or are placed specifically in boats, houses, or barns. He enjoys the setting up of the toys as much as he likes to actually play with them.

My little boy has a sensitive side as well. His emotions are usually worn on his sleeve, and his face gives way to every feeling. When watching a movie, he identifies with each of the characters, and be becomes so involved in the story. Parker celebrates loudly, with an exclamation of "Oh my GOOD ness", and when he is disappointed he will proclaim, "I not believe this! You broke my feelings!".

He surprises me each day with what he learns, and how mature he has become. At a staggering 38 1/2 inches tall and 31.5 lbs, he may not look big, but he acts like he is 25 years old. Over this last year, Parker has become my buddy. We often hold these indepth conversations about theology (he wants to know how God can be Jesus daddy and his daddy, and why sometimes we pray to God and sometimes we pray to Jesus) He always wants to cuddle, and he told me the day that when he is "onehundredity" years old, he will still let me hold him.

When I asked him last night about how he felt about being 4 years old, he said, "I'm just really nervous!" Except he said it in an over-exuberant voice. My cutie was trying to explain that he was excited. I love when he tries out new vocabulary and the words just don't quite fit; I love how he asks for me to hold him before he gets out of bed each morning; I love how he reminds me to pray before each meal; I love how he wants to pray for his friends every night; I love how he is shy at first, but then once he gets comfortable, there is no stopping him; I love how he says "ewww" when Erik comes home and kisses me (but there is a smile on his face he tries to hide); I love how he watches out for his brother; I love that he asks questions and is so curious about the world around him; I love that God brought him into our family and gave us the honor of raising him.

Parker Elton, you are the best pirate playing, soccer loving, tooth brushing, pop-tart eating boy in the whole world.