four.

{a few words that come to mind when I think about this kid.}

Jack is four. Jack is FOUR!!?

I can't believe how fast time goes. I still remember perfectly that late winter night in Ohio when I saw my little boy for the first time.

I have a very specific memory of those first few minutes after he was born. They brought him over to me all wrapped up so I could hold him for the first time. I looked down at him and we had eye contact. As we were staring into each others eyes I told him, "I love you so much....but I have no idea what to do with you."

I was so nervous. I'm still nervous, but I've learned a lot along the way.

Today, I told Jack about this story. Afterward, he wanted me to hold him "like a baby" and "look at his eyes" like I did in the story. So sweet.

The famous dollar bill chain from Gram Bernie....with 4 dollars of course :)

Sam thoroughly enjoyed the birthday cake...

Here are a few really great Jack moments from the past few months:

- He woke up from his nap one day (yes, he'll still take a nap, it's wonderful) and told me as I layed next to him that he'll love me "always and forever"...even when I'm an "old grandma".

- Jack: "Mom, do you know where chickens come from?"

Me: "Where?"

Jack: "Chickens!!!"

-Jack: "Mom, do you know where clothes come from?"

Me: "Where?"

Jack: "Sheep!!!"

- We were at the park and Jack started playing with a little boy who was wearing a jersey with the number 6 on it. He wanted to introduce me to his new friend so he brought him over to me and said matter-of-factly, "Mom, this is my friend 'six'", thinking this was the boy's name because it was on his shirt. So funny.

- He calls the dangly thing in the back of his throat an "upside down bowling pin"

- He told me that a "hunk back whale" is called that because it "swims backwards"

- He said one day through tears, "I'm frustrated! I don't want a baby brother, can he go back in your tummy? How do we get him back in your tummy?"

-He'll eat carrots and cucumbers like candy.

-Most people think he's older than he really is.

- His birthday gift from aunt Marlies was a gum ball machine. But what does he excitedly shout out when he opens it? "It's a gum ball DISPENSER!!" Dispenser? Really?

- I was talking to Kurt on the phone one day about how I needed to pray to Heavenly Father for some help with some things. This was the conversation that followed:

Jack: "Mom, I heard you say you were going to pray to Heavenly Father."

Me: "yes, honey, I need to ask Him to help me."

Jack (very excitedly): "I'll pray to Heavenly Father for you!!!!!"

Me: "Thank you sweetheart!"

Jack: "Oh it's no problem, mom."

Happy Birthday my Jack! I can't believe how fast time flies.

I love you.