Guess Who's 4?

Sammy is!  His birthday was actually April 20th, but, I hope he'll forgive my late post.  Sammy was born on his due date, April 20th, 4 years ago.  We were excited, scared, new parents.  This was a whole, new adventure, and I'll be the first to admit, we had no idea what was coming.  But, looking back over these last four years, we wouldn't trade any of it.  Well, maybe the fussy first several months, or the defiant passion and drama that come out of this little one.  And yet, even things that I may view as negative, are God-given, and are things that make Sammy who he is.  I learned a lot about myself as I cried in self pity over my fussy, imperfect newborn.  I began to realize that God had given us exactly the baby that we needed to shape us to be more like Him.  I began to see just how impatient I am, (I had always prided myself mentally on just how patient I thought I was.)  In reality, much more than being married, my little man Sammy began to reveal to me just how sinful I really am.  Yes, God knew that I needed this little one right off the bat.

Sammy is such a little sweetheart and such a big helper to me.  He LOVES his baby brother, Isaac, and, is really beginning to play well with his other little brother, Marcus.  He runs and fetches me diapers and wipes for diaper changes, towels for spit up explosions, and, when I'm pinned down nursing, he checks on little brother mischief, Marcus for me.  He has the best imagination in the world and loves books, movies and songs..  He'll pick up lines from movies or books, and he'll create whole new stories from those lines.  He can take a random piece of paper, or a cup, or you name it, and imagine it's a plane flying over a cliff, or some other random thing.  I love to watch his little mind at work.  We have started a reading program, (paused when baby Isaac was born.), and he was picking up a lot.  I look forward to getting back into that with him soon.  He also enjoys painting with watercolors, and other creative type projects.

Samster is a social butterfly who will greet any stranger and try his utmost to be kind and fair to everyone.  His cheerful "Hey there" or "Hey man" has stopped many a folk on our walks or in the store.  His cheeriness makes people smile.

When I have a down time, Sammy instantly can tell.  He'll come, take my face in his hands and say, "Don't be sad mommy, be happy!"  Or, "Don't cry mommy!"  He's really trained me to fight the urge to respond emotionally to my circumstances all of the time. :-)  Like his daddy, he prefers mommy happy!

Sammy loves Thomas the Train right now, when praised for something will say, "I'm a good little engine, aren't I?"

Just last night we saw the Apple Blossom fireworks, and I will never forget the pure joy and excitement that poured from Sammy.  He is so full of joy and childish enthusiasm.  I love it!

Sam can't get enough time with his awesome daddy.  Whether it's a trip to Lowes, going fishing, wrestling on the living room floor, reading a book or playing frisbee, he loves him some daddy time.

Sammy is very cautious and responsible.  He lets me know if Marcus is doing something he shouldn't be.

Sammy is learning more and more each day about God's love and mercy.  It's my prayer that he will continue to grow in his understanding of his need for Jesus and the unconditional love and forgiveness He offers.

I am so blessed to be his mommy.  He is so forgiving of my sins against him.  I pray his little heart always stays so soft.

We love our Samuel and we are so very thankful for him!  Happy belated birthday, buddy!