Happy 4th Birthday Nathan!

Happy birthday, big boy!
This is the first year that your birthday has been a Big Deal to you. You were looking forward to it for weeks, and when it finally arrived, you positively glowed. You told us that you felt different- could jump higher, stand taller, and could finally sleep all night in your own bed (you chose a consequence for yourself too- if you don't stay in your bed, the baby gate to your room will be locked). You continue to be a sensitive and honest soul, and we've really seen you start to care for your little brother, even though you have your moments. You also are really attuned to Noah's trials, and you can explain all of his feeding issues and therapy sessions to anyone who asks. You even know his medicines and will remind me if I forget to give a particular one. You actually seem to love all things science/medical, whether Noah-related or not. You like listening to your heart with my stethoscope, and I taught you how to take your own pulse. You like to explain to people how the body works- lungs, heart, kidneys, blood, you name it. 

The one thing you are resisting is learning how to read. I'm not sure why. You know and can write all of your letters, but you just don't seem interested in learning how to read for yourself. I don't think you realize that learning to read would open a whole new world for you (and keep us from being able to keep secrets by spelling in front of you). 

You are still a very emotional person, but you've learned to self-regulate a little better. At school you are consistently in green. You choose your friends wisely, hanging with your best buds Izzy and Alexa, and avoiding trouble at all costs. You're doing well at school, although we still have to send lunch on some days because you won't eat the school food. We just got your VPK paperwork the other day, I can't believe it's already time to think about that! Really, when you went from three to four, it really did feel like you grew overnight. I'm not sure where exactly the time has gone! At any rate, happy birthday big boy, here's to a wonderful year full of discovery and growth!