Half Birthday Boy

To Ryan, our incredibly lovable boy -- when people ask how old you are, you can now declare with pride, "Four AND a half!"

As a twin, I'm sure it's tough sometimes to share a birthday, so we like to celebrate your half birthday as well. Maybe not as good as a day all to yourself, but at least you get two celebrations a year, one with half a cake. Here are some glimpses of you, Mr. Ryan, as you round the corner towards five-years-old (did I just remind myself of that?) ...

You love being in the yard planting seeds, checking on the garden, spraying the hose or just peering behind trees or under rocks. You've named yourself our "super weeder" and can pull the plethora of green and unwanted visitors out of our yard with incredible speed, and a much more cheerful attitude than I've ever seen in a weeder.

You've picked up all sorts of funny phrases and jingles. When being rounded up for a bath, you'll belt out "Missed me! Missed me! Now you gotta kiss me!" (not that I ever have a problem with that) And, you love to copy all your Dad's favorite silly phrases like, "Let's get it on, Donkey Kong", "Never shower, never cower!" and "Ain't nothin' to it but to do it!"

Speaking of your Dad, you adore him. I know you love me, but truly, Daddy is number one in your book. Mondays are your least favorite day of the week because it means Daddy has to go back to work after two full days with him. Most every art project you make is for Daddy, with thoughtful notes attached to say, "Daddy, I hope you had a great day. How was work? From, Ryan"

We count on you to relay all the latest preschool news. You always remember sharing day, what we signed up to bring for an event, and when the book order is due. You also fill us in on any new kids in class, who left preschool early for a doctor's appointment, what everyone brings for lunch and your teacher's favorite green foods (in case you were wondering, it's pickles). You keep us in the loop, with versions of events far more interesting than anything reported in the preschool newsletter, and keep our dinner conversations lively.

It looks like you may have inherited my tendency towards indecision. When given a choice in a store or at the library, you'll deliberate. "Well, let's see...", you'll start, and then go back and forth between choices, giving each your full attention. It's just like your sweet and caring nature to see the good in all things.

You love dinosaurs, making families out of your stuffed animal "loved ones", family sports day at the park, measuring things, playing baseball in the tub, dribbling a basketball, making science experiments out of the whatever you can find in the pantry, pretending to be your sister's puppy, and of course, dear old Bunny.

Thanks for making each and every day so bright -- we love you Rye-guy!