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...