Jude has been counting down the days for months......and finally he has turned FOUR YEARS OLD. It seemed to take forever to get past the "Three and Three Quarters" mark but he made it!
Now I look into his perfect little 4 year old face and could melt into a puddle like I did the day he was born. But things have changed a bit. Instead of just looking at me with love in his eyes, he can verbalize what he's thinking: I don't really like your hair, Nini, and Ada doesn't either. Ahhh, did I once wish for a little kid who tells it like it is? Big mistake on my part:)
Jude had a real birthday party on his real birthday with his real friends at a pool near his real house. A few days later, we had the traditional birthday gathering with cousins Brady and Drew. Ben flipped pancakes in the backyard and we all hung out for awhile on a beautiful Saturday morning.
Watching all four of the kids interact together is the joy of my life.
Jude's birthday falls just two days before Linden's birthday, so here they are, the Brown Eyes!
If anyone can master the game on the new iPad, it's this team:)
This picture was taken a month ago - Jude with 21 of his closest friends -
Jude and his girlfriend, Lucia. I'm saving this picture for the engagement party -
Jude is a beautiful child. He's also a rascally little rascal who needs a constant challenge to keep him going in the right direction. But he is so interesting and I love the way his mind whirls in so many directions! A recent phone conversation:
Nini, what's a week?
A week is 7 days, honey.
What's a symbiotic relationship?
(Think, think!) A symbiotic relationship is when two people or two animals get along very well.
Are giants bigger than monsters?
Oh yes, giants are always the biggest.
I have to go now, Nini, it's time for my breakfast.
There you have it. The child not only has a true grip on the English language, but he is continually interested in how to say words in other languages. His parents have taught him how to say things in Spanish, French and Russian. And then, of course, in true 4-year old fashion, he makes up words. That's Russian, Nini, for "Jude needs another cookie".
And I love the way he is so in tune with Ada. They are the best of friends when they aren't killing each other. He's also sensitive to the happiness of others. Maybe mom needs some of my fever medicine to make her feel better. He reminds me so much of his dad! And when he lets go with his rolling laughter, it's almost more than one Nini can take.
Happy #4 Birthday, Judey!
