Jacob, the Birthday Boy:

Wow - 4 years old. Happy birthday, Goose!

There was something about 3 - with the sippy cups, Diego Pull-ups, and trouble pronouncing Rs and Ls - where I still managed to see the tiniest bit of baby left. But no more; today you are officially a Big Boy. How did this happen? There is so much your Daddy and I can't grasp, believe or ever forget.

Like, you wonder when you'll be "fifty eleven;" we're amazed that we've managed to keep something - a child, no less! - alive for four years.

You can't figure out why I don't know the rules to "Mother, May I?" I can't believe you can recite the Pledge of Allegiance and know the names of all the planets.

You'll never remember how sweet your voice sounds when you sing Raffi's "Baby Beluga;" Daddy and I will never be able to forget the tune.

You'll never know that with each smile you give us, our hearts melt a little more, and that even when we have to punish you, we're still smiling back at you inside.

How about when we went on a sleigh ride at Christmas, and the song leader was taking suggestions for carols? Not knowing any, you asked if anyone "knew the ABC song." All 20 people aboard sang the alphabet at the top of their lungs, and you were so proud. I will never forget that moment.

Or the time (and this was recently) when you announced at the grocery store check out line that your butt wouldn't "hold the poop in anymore?" Strangely, that mortifying moment somehow endeared you to me even more, and it will forever live on in my memory.

I know you'll never remember how one of your teachers told me that you were "President of the Class;" I will never forget the pride I felt that day.

Jacob, Daddy and I hit the jackpot with you, and we can't believe that we get to keep claiming the prize for the rest of our lives. Even at four, you are more (trouble and joy) than we could have ever fathomed. We love you, kiddo. Happy Birthday!