On the eve of your birthday

Cameron! How did the time go so fast? In honor of your 4th birthday, we were looking back at your baby pics, and your reaction to seeing yourself as a baby is so cute – you get a big smile on your face, all scrunched up, with a tilted head, and in a high voice you say “aw, I was so cute!” Those times seem so far away, living in NJ, in our first house that I know you will only remember through photos. I saw some things in the photos that are still around: your stuffed duck that was so big in comparison to you at 3 months old, your beloved blankie now shredded on the edges and looking older than its four years, your big brown eyes, and smile that melts my heart.  But most of it is gone: the house was sold over 3 years ago, the footy pajamas are packed away for who knows what reason, your paci’s taken away by the “paci fairy”, your chunky legs turned muscular from 3 years of constant running jumping & climbing, and your toothless grin replaced by a mouthful of chompers. But then there are many things, not in any pictures, that remain the same: the feeling of loving you so much my heart could burst, being amazed by the big boy you are becoming, and being proud of the person you are.  You are caring, smart, and thoughtful, you are independent, curious and observant, and above all, you are loving and kind. In these 4 short-but-feel-long years, so much has happened: you moved from NJ to MA, you acquired a little brother, made countless friends, learned to walk, run, climb, roll, hide, color, count, write, ride a 2 wheeler, ride a skateboard, ski, fish, swim, build sandcastles, make brownies and too many things to write. Lately a lot has changed for you and I wasn’t sure how you would react. I know you miss your family, friends, kitties, and bed, but the things you will gain from this are priceless. You’ve shown me that you can deal with change pretty well, and are open to new things. I hope your dad and I are instilling a sense of adventure in you, and spark a love of travel, for I believe it is one of the greatest ways to learn.

Four years my sweet Cameron David, and in your own words: “I’m gonna be 4 and then next I’m gonna be 5!” but try not to rush it, my darling.

What a difference 4 years makes:

Cameron 9 months

Cameron 3 years 364 days