Ethan is four now! It was our fall break, so we celebrated all weekend long. He really couldn't figure out which day was his real birthday.
Thursday night we went to Texas Roadhouse and used his free kids meal. They sat him in the saddle and sang to him, and he got a brownie.
Friday we went to Estes Park - Ryan had been gone all week and is gone all this week, so he took the day off so we could see him - and told the waitress at lunch it was his birthday, so she gave him ice cream.
Sunday was the main day we celebrated. I hung the birthday banner in the kitchen. They sang to him in primary, and he got a little treat from the primary presidency. He requested homemade macaroni and cheese with bacon (all my kids' favorite nowadays) and chocolate milk for lunch.
After his nap, we let him open his presents. Everything was Batman-themed this year. He's a little obsessed. When I asked him on the first day of school what he wants to be when he grows up, he said matter-of-factly, "Batman!" When I tried to explain he needed to pick a "real job," he got totally confused. I guess we'll figure that out when he's older. ;-)
So, for his birthday, we got him a Batman card and balloon. He also got a stack of Batman easy-readers from Costco and two junior Lego sets.
When everyone was up from their naps, we sang and had cake and went for a walk. He was one happy little man.
But, Monday was his actual birthday. Ryan was gone on his trip, but I let him have a playdate in the morning with Tessa, a friend from preschool. She even brought him a present: M&Ms, Ninjago legos and playdough. They are so good together. I made them popcorn, and they watched a movie. They also did playdough and Legos. He even shared his M&Ms with everyone! And they got leftover homemade mac & cheese, so everyone was happy.
Monday night I had to be in too many places at once (four kids, ya know!?), so I dropped Ethan & Kate at the neighbors' house, and they sang to him and made him waffles for dinner. Thank goodness for friends.
Then Tuesday was preschool, so they celebrated him again: a special birthday hat and reading his favorite book to the class. He picked
Waiting Is Not Easy by Mo Willems.
Whew, and that's why I say he doesn't really know which day was his actual birthday. It was a birthday long weekend around here!
* * *
Ethan used to be the easiest, sweetest little man. Then Kate got an opinion, and he realized he could have one too. Ha. I think I'd describe it as being in the "terrible twos" with two kids at the same time... and they aren't twins! It's been a rough few months, to say the least.
I can only take one day at a time, and I'm letting many more things fall through the cracks than ever before. Four kids is no joke! He and Kate argue about EVERYTHING, and they hit, kick and pull each other's hair too. We are in for a rough year, I fear. I just hope it's only a year!
All in all, he has figured out how to talk back and say no, and his mom is so sad to have lost her sweet boy. Some days I get glimpes - today was one of those days! - but yesterday was not. ;-(
He is still super outgoing, and he is willing to try anything. I'm going to put him in soccer in the spring because he's been begging for years. He is by far my best swimmer too. We has an infectious smile, and everyone - neighbors, teachers, other kids - totally love to be around him. He gave a talk in Primary last week that was perfectly darling. He LOVES preschool and begs to get to go every day. (He only goes Tues/Thurs morn this year.)
I am babysitting another little boy two days a week now from his Sunbeam class, and they are the best of pals. He also really likes
to play with Tessa, who lives around the corner from us.
Love you, buddy! Be sweet to your mommy.
Happy Batman Birthday, Eefie!
