Dear Bryce

Dear Bryce,

Today you turned 4 years old. I am not sure how it’s possible that you are already there.

Turning 4 is like turning 25. When you go from 24 to 25…it feels like such a huge jump. It’s the same with 4.

3 is so '”Toddler”…4 is so “Big Boy”.

I am so blessed to have you as my big boy.

4 years ago, last night, I was at the General Relief Society broadcast at church – thinking you were NEVER going to come.

I woke up after a full night’s sleep and my water broke. I was so excited that you had finally decided to give this world a try.

I walked and walked for hours and hours…trying everything to get contractions coming…but you were in no hurry. After 12 hours of no results, I agreed to augment labor with Pitocin. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to have an un-medicated birth while on Pit…but deep within myself, I knew you and I could do anything together…and we did. Three hours later…I was holding you…completely smitten with your perfectness. We have always felt like little partners since then – and I have loved it!

You are my baby and always will be. I have treasured every day I have spent with you. You have been a friend to me, a comedian, a chatterbox, and a charmer. I love wrestling you, shopping with you, nuzzling you, listening to your stories, and fulfilling your nightly request to “Lay with me for 5 minutes before  the sun comes up”.

I love that you take 3 bubble baths a day, that you constantly have your pockets full of tiny toys, and that you regularly draw Sharpie whiskers on your face…and then climb on my lap and “Meow” like a kitty.

I love our ritual of me saying…..and you completing….

“I love you soooo ----------------Much.”

“You are my beeeeeest ------------Friend.”

“I am going to squeeze yooooour -----Bicks!”

I love the way you still smell like my baby after you bathe…and that ANY ill in your life can be healed with a cookie or a sucker. It’s amazing, the love I have for you and your brother and sister. I know it may feel like I am constantly telling you how much I love you guys…but I can’t help it. My heart is overflowing and so it just spills from my mouth. I can’t hold it in. There is no containing it. You are loved beyond belief.

You have been a joy in our home and have made our family feel complete. I am blessed beyond measure to be your mama and help you navigate your way through this life. You will do great things.

Now that the mush is out of the way….let me tell you that it was such fun to watch you enjoy your birthday today. You were so big!

You enjoyed your much anticipated birthday party at the bouncy house place. You invited all of your friends…little and big.

Even Grandma and Daddy  joined in the fun on the inflatable slides.

Daddy said, “I wish I would have seen this sign before I got on….”

You were so excited this day had finally come!

You were assertive…because you had turned 4.

You had fun with your cousins..

(Really, he WAS having fun. He just APPEARS to be petrified.)

Jonas felt bad for sleeping through your party…but he has some growing to do. He hoped you would understand.

You fell in love for the first time today…with Jane. You weren’t afraid to hide it, since you are 4.

You asked me if you could marry her someday. I said, “Yes.”

She is JUST the kind of girl you deserve.

And she is fun and crazy like you…

You liked her so much, that you were willing to share your birthday throne with her…and let her help you unwrap your gifts.

You were amazed with your gifts!

You received the Toy Story 3 cake of your dreams…

I wish I knew what you wished for…

You said your “Thank Yous and Goodbye’s” and we rushed home to unbox all of your new treasures.

When asked what you wanted for your birthday dinner…nobody was surprised when you answered, “Cheese and Chips!”

You were the Birthday Boy, so we obliged and got your take out from your favorite Mexican place.

You liked calling the shots today.

Since you had already had cake ---we opted for a Cookie Cake for our family party.

And another wish was made.

I hope all of your wishes come true, baby. I love you!

XO,

The Mama Bear