Wednesday, November 16, 2011

John Michael turns 4



John Michael turned 4 this past Monday! He had a super fun birthday party last Friday, but the camera I brought took horrible photos in the low light. So, I leave you with this short video clip of his actual birthday.



John Michael has changed so much in one year... too many things to list. The biggest change I see is his verbal communication. He is a chatterbox and is learning to ask for things in complete sentences; e.g., I want to ____, Can I please have a _____. This video doesn't show his verbal skills, but I'm so impressed! His vocabulary has increased exponentially this year and he's not afraid to repeat words that I don't understand. He is also starting to sing... really sing. Sometimes, while driving in the car, I'll sustain a note and ask him to sing it. He is matching at least 5 pitch changes, which tells me he can and will sing! Again, a thrill for me. He can sing Happy Birthday (with a little help), Old MacDonald Had a Farm, Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star and other simple songs, leaving the connector words out, but getting the message across. He is holding his crayon or pencil correctly and is taking more time to color. He can identify a few letters and numbers and knows the basic colors and shapes. He still remembers many signs, which is very cool! He says, "Hi, Lady" to women in stores (very charming) and freely gives hugs and kisses. He wants to help and be involved in what the family is doing. He has turned into a real "big brother" to Luke and often comforts him or hugs him when he's grumpy or hurt. He stays dry and uses the potty (although I have to take him every 1 1/2 hours since he isn't telling me on his own very often, but will say, "yes," if I ask him if he wants to go). He isn't pulling hair or hitting and rarely pushes anymore. He does steal toys and his new phrase in a serious voice is, "not funny!" to which we usually bust up laughing. He runs fast (arms flying wildly), jumps from a 6" footstool with both feet on the ground, does the Chicken Dance (oh, it's so cute!), and says his prayers, including making a sign of the cross and saying, "In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit."  He can also say the litlte "Now I lay me down to sleep..." prayer, leaving 1/2 the connecting words out.  The sweetest is when he recently said at Mass, looking up at the crucifix, "Jesus, love me," while patting his chest. Yes, John Michael, Jesus loves you! And everyone else who meets him...

It's been a great year. Can't wait to see what lies ahead, but I'm in no rush...

12 comments:

  1. Happy belate Birthday to the big boy!
    This all sound pretty much for a 4year old. I like also how clear he speaks in the video!
    Greetings from Germany
    Christine & Joshua

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  2. Happy Birthday to JM! I loved this post and hearing all of the fun things he is doing! Makes me excited for our future and give me lots of fun things to look forward to! :)

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  3. Happy, happy birthday, JM!!! Wow, so much amazing development this year! While I'm always sad that time flies so quickly, I'm also always excited to see what new things the next year brings. He's a superstar!!! <3 <3

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  4. Love it Monica! Happy Birthday to JM!

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  5. Oh Monica!!! JM is such a big boy! Gosh he is just beautiful and perfect!

    Happy birthday handsome little man:)

    And btw his verbal skills have always impressed me.

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  6. Oh, Monica! It made me cry! He's doing so GREAT!!! This cyber Auntie is so proud of him. Thank you for the update and the video. :)

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  7. Um, this post had me in tears too! I LOVE hearing all about JM. I remember finding your blog soon after Russell was born, JM was two. I have enjoyed watching him grow over these two years, he has accomplished so much.
    There have been nights where I have gone back through your blog and read posts that have helped me with issues I am going through now with Russell. I am so glad you have blogged through this journey. JM brings me peace and hope for Russell's future.

    Loved the video, it was so cute!! I had to laughed when JM said he was 5!!! lol

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  8. Your John Michael is a handsome and happy lad, Monica.
    You are blessed.
    Love seeing the family photo, too!
    Jeanne Condon

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  9. What a sweet post! Happy Birthday John Michael! It sounds like he is doing amazing. I'd love to meet him, he sounds like such a charmer;)

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  10. Love this post! Happy 4th birthday John Michael!

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