My 4 Year Old

Oh my boy. A thousand thoughts and emotions enter my brain when thinking of this child. He is truly unlike any little person I have ever known. He gives me a gosh dang run for my money thats for sure, every day that we make it through feels like an accomplishment. But oh how I love him. My heart sometimes just hurts for him, he is so unique and there are so many levels to him. I worry so much that I am not doing a good enough job in raising him, I hope and pray I am giving him what he needs. I hold such a special place in my heart for this wild child, he tests me and tests me but at the end of the day I am so completely smitten by him. 110% enamored and completely in love. Here are some facts about my little 4 year old...so I can remember him at this precious age.

1. By far my most snuggly kid. His tiny form just wraps around me. He sneaks his way into our bed every single night, and I never turn him away. He just snuggles right in, I have his little form memorized. He curls into a little ball and doesn't move a muscle.
2. Surprised me a bit this year. As he has entered primary, and preschool, and organized sports I have seen a completely different side of him. He is so nervous around people he doesn't know. He tucks right into himself and it takes a lot of love and acceptance to pull him out. As the year has gone on, I am starting to see the Lincoln I know in these types of enviroments. He is coming out of his shell a bit and that is comforting to see.
3. He is so dang smart. As we sit down each night to go over his little homework and activities that his school has assigned, I am amazed at all he knows. I think back to Carson's first year of preschool and Lincoln is just blowing right by him. I wonder if it has anything to do with watching Carson.

4. Longs to be accepted and included. I have noticed he acts out when he feels he is being ignored or left out. I try so hard to not overreact and discipline, but to take a step back and look at the situation. I want him to learn that the behavior is not okay but at that same time my heart just hurts that he is feeling ignored or forgotten. Oh this boy, and the stress he causes me. Praying I am reaching him.
5. Loves sugar. Loves it. The kid could live off juice, and candy, and suckers and all things terrible for your teeth. Carson has never been a big fan of it, but with Lincoln I am always having to ration what I give him. He would eat fruit snack after fruit snack if I let him.
6. Sports. He's gonna be good. We are blown away by his natural skill when it comes to balls. Sometimes that temper is what gets the best of him though. Can't handle sharing, or taking turns, or when the ball doesn't go as directed. Hoping we can fine tune all that.

7. If I had to choose his one great interest I would have to say super heroes. He loves those guys. He follows along with pretty much all of Carson's interests, but his true love is the superheroes. Particuarely Batman.
8. Favorite shows right now are probably Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Doc Mcstuffins, Higgleytown Heroes and Lego Star Wars. Hates Phineas and Ferb, creates all kinds of drama between him and Carson.
9. Loves his older brother, loves him. Tries so hard to keep up with him and for the most part they are the best of friends. Sometimes the age difference between them seems so small cause he is just right there with him on everything.

10. He is a daddy's boy. Him and Drake. They both tolerate me, but just comes alive when his dad is around. Thiago understands him so well, so often my lack of patience and stubborness clashes with his and we butt heads alot. Thiago was blessed with neverending patience and can reach my boy when no one else can.
11. Has the best laugh I have ever heard. Lights up his whole face, its so contagious. His eyes just shine when he laughs.
12. Such a perfectionist. He gives everything 110%. Gets so upset when things don't turn out the way he had envisioned. He's determined. He just keeps trying and trying until he gets it right. Now alot of yelling is included, but he does not give up.
13. Stands his own. Nobody pushes this boy around. He is strong willed and persistent. Boy is he persisitent.

14. One volume and that is loud. Our house always feels so quiet and empty when he isn't around. He just fills it with fun, laughter, and activity. Don't think the kid knows how to whisper though....LOUD!
15. Favorite foods include hotdogs, soup, macaroni and cheese, tacos, icecream, scrambled eggs and TOAST! He eats about 10 pieces of toast a day...with cinnamon sugar, don't forget the cinnamon sugar.
16. Loves to be kissed, and hugged, and held and being told "love you". Can't even tell you how many times a day he tells me he loves me. Out of nowhere, "love you mom". Oh Lincoln boy...love you too.

17. The funniest little voice. Don't even know how to describe it. Both Cars and Linc have funny little voices. Linc's is kinda gruff yet squeaky at the same time. Thiago always says he sounds like a little angry bird.
18. Loves his electronics. Mobigo, I-pad, phones...anything he can play. We major have to limit it with him, otherwise its all he would do.
19. Kinda a scaredy cat. Always hesitant to be away from us, trying new things..ha, Carson has to do it first then he will follow. And don't even ask him to go downstairs by himself...yeah right. Really is scared of his own shadow.
20. The best little 4 year old I know. He can be so frusterating at times but beneath it all is the sweetest little soul I have ever known. My world would be empty without him. His sweet hugs, his golden eyes, his little chicken legs, his big ol' goofy smile with the front chipped teeth....oh my boy. Love him so much!