Already

You are four years old today, sweet boy, and I can still remember the day you came to us like it was yesterday. You changed me forever on that St. Patrick's Day night, and I wouldn't want any part of my old self back.  I can't imagine myself not as your mother now, and even though at times I fail miserably, know that I see that role as my most important job...to make sure you feel loved and safe.

As I was constantly reassuring you today in the movies that the 3D glasses really would help you to see Tangled better, I began to think that one day you won't need my constant guidance.  One day you will be a man, and oh how I am excited to see who you will become, but at the same time I want to hold on to the innocence of who you are now.  After all, wasn't I just holding you in my arms?  And now look at you...

...giddy about your movie-going experience (complete with popcorn and candy and coke...and 2 of your favorite cousins)...



My heart is so full, Hunter.  I cannot express it enough, so I'll let one of our favorites do it for me...

"If we didn't have birthdays, you wouldn't be you.
If you'd never been born, well then what would you do?
If you'd never been born, well then what would you be?
You might be a fish! Or a toad in a tree!
You might be a doorknob! Or three baked potatoes!
You might be a bag full of hard green tomatoes.
Or worse than all that... Why, you might be a WASN'T!
A Wasn't has no fun at all. No, he doesn't.
A Wasn't just isn't. He just isn't present.
But you... You ARE YOU! And, now isn't that pleasant!
...
Today you are you! That is truer then true!
There is no one alive who is you-er then you!
Shout loud, "I am lucky to be what I am! 
Thank goodness I'm not just a clam or a ham or a dusty old jar of sour gooseberry jam!
I am what I am! That's a great thing to be!
If I say so myself. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!"

                                                                                              --Dr. Seuss