Dear Nathanael

I can't believe that you turned 4 yesterday! It seems like yesterday I was having you at the hospital. You were my quickest delivery. And least painful. I got to the hospital around 7:00 am and you were born at 10:45 am. We didn't know what we were having although your daddy thought you were a boy. And what a big boy you were! You were 2 lbs. bigger than Noah and you looked so different from your big brother. I thought you were so beautiful.

newborn Nathanael

You were such an easy, laid back baby. You hardly ever cried would go with the flow. We were so excited to now have two little boys so close in age (19 1/2 months apart) to grow up as brothers and hopefully best friends. You adored Noah from the start. Noah liked you okay, but got aggravated when you started crawling and getting "his" toys. But, as you got older, Noah realized how fun it was to have a brother and a playmate. 

You are one of the most sweet natured children that I have ever seen (and I'm not just saying that because I'm your mama). You are a pleaser. You want everyone to be happy. You are my big boy helper. You look up to Noah so much and want to copy things that he does (sometimes good, sometimes not so good..haha). You and Noah have become the best of friends. You are such a wonderful big brother to baby Nicholas. You kiss and love on him and share your toys. When he cries, you try to make him feel better and you don't get upset. You love to love and are such a snuggle -boy. I love it!! You'll say "Mom, let's snuggle" and of course I take every opportunity to do that. You love to wrestle Noah and Dad. Sometimes you like to aggravate Noah when he's not giving you the attention you want, but that's what little brothers do. 

You love movies and you can and will sit through an entire Disney movie. Your favorite right now is probably the Toy Story movies. You like to play outside. You enjoy swinging and playing whiffle ball. You like to draw and are already quite the little artist. You are left handed which is unique and special. 

You started preschool this year and are doing great! You have a wonderful teacher. Every day (but one) your teacher has checked "cheerful, followed directions, and focused attention". You have made friends and are learning new things. You really enjoy preschool.  Your dad and I are very proud of you!

You love going to Bible class and enjoy worship service. You like to pray and will offer to say our prayer before meals a lot. This is very important. 

Nathanael, we are so proud of the big four year old you have become! You are a joy in our lives and in the lives of those around you. You are so special and are a wonderful asset in our family. We thank God for you and look forward to what the next year with you brings!

I love you so much.

Mom