Luke is (gasp) four!

My firstborn is four today.  Four!  The baby boy that grew in my belly for nine months and who I held in my arms weighing 7 pounds 15 ounces four years ago today is now a toddler transforming into a little boy right before my eyes.

He has brought Kevin and I immeasurable amounts of joy and laughter and happiness.  Our hearts are full with love for this kid.

A little bit about our now four year old:

• He says 'oh, thank you for thinking of me' when he realizes you have done something nice for him or give him something he has been wanting.  (I nearly melt every time he does this!)
• He is a man of few words, unless he's talking about trains, trucks, or tractors.

• Loves being a Cubby bear at church and could listen to the CD on repeat for an entire day without asking to turn it off.
• Luke is passionate about anything with wheels and can play with cars, tractors, and trains all day, every day.

• He loves putting puzzles together on his own.  Sometimes he likes mom and dad to stay close by, just in case he needs help, but never wants us to touch the pieces.
• He has his boots on as soon as you say 'tractor ride' or 'combine ride' or 'lawn mower ride' or any kind of ride.

• Will take or leave food.  His favorites are crescent rolls, Nutella, chocolate, peanut butter, raspberries, and Star Wars macaroni and cheese.
• Loves wrestle time with Daddy. 
• Luke has figured out a trip to Target with Grandma Kathy is equivalent to a toy.

• One of his favorite pastimes is sitting in his room reading all his books.  His go-to books right now are any Thomas books, Winnie-the-Pooh books, and books we use for preschool homeschooling.
• He can dance with the best of them, as long as he thinks no one is watching.

• This kid is shy around large groups of kids, but will warm up after ten to fifteen minutes.
• Tolerates and loves his little sister at the same time.  Sometimes they are two peas in a pod and other times he wants his door shut so he can have some space.

• Luke loves to cuddle on the couch when he gets up from sleeping.
• Enjoys playing with other kids' toys, but is still working on sharing his own.

• Luke asks to go up to Grandma Diane and Papa Gary's house often and loves spending time with them as well as the opportunity to watch a Thomas video. 
• He knows after Lily goes to bed he has mom and dad all to himself.  We have started having a game night or tractor night or big rig night.  He likes to 'name' the night and gets out the required materials for us to play with him.

This boy is growing fast and I am thankful everyday I get to call him mine.  He is my adventure-loving, snuggle-seeking, book-reading, soft-spoken, not-always-so-shy babe and I am blessed with the privilege of watching him learn and grow. My prayers are deep and wide and long and strong for this one.  

Happy Birthday to my Luke!