Do you know how magical you are? I mean, truly amazing and more than I could have ever imagined and just…incredible. So much so that I suddenly needed to share it, right in this very moment. I let so many good intentions go by, but this? This one I can’t miss, sweet boy, and I’ll tell you why.

The other day, your daddy was hugging me and your sister was panicking *just* a little. So you know what you did? You sidled right up to her on the steps and sat down at her level. And then in the sugariest, gentlest voice you could possibly manage, this is what you said to her: “It’s oooookaaaaay, Eloise. Don’t be sad. It’s a good thing! Do you know why Daddy hugs Mommy?! It’s because he loves her. They love each other, Eloise. Isn’t that great?! It’s ok for them to be hugging, see?”  And then you hugged her and she was suddenly calm because you had said it was ok. Do you have any idea what that does for your mama’s heart?!

Today I had a moment in the car when too many things welled up at once and I started crying as your dad was driving us down the road. And there you were, in the backseat, not skipping a beat: “I’m really sorry that you’re sad, Mommy…I care about you. I care about you so much, and I love you.”

Oh, Hank, there is no possible way for me to measure your sweetness in moments or memories. It’s been some time since I’ve written to you, and somewhere in the mix you’ve traded in your toddler status and become this ridiculously great BOY. You’re adventurous and daring. You explore every interest thoughtfully and thoroughly, until you’re completely satisfied with the information you’ve gleaned. You share your enthusiasm for things with everyone you know and love. You are not afraid. You are sensitive to people’s feelings, and bold in your determination and your appetite for what is good. Your mind is fascinating. You engage your sister with gentleness and patience and honest-to-goodness joy. You make her laugh every day. You share. You teach and show her things I’d never think of, and it’s so beautiful! Your care and concern for others and the world is contagious.

You turned four just over a month ago and I feel like I’m able to witness daily what God is doing in your young heart. You don’t have to be older or taller or busier or more successful than others to have an impact on the people and places around you–you’re already doing that. As you get older, please don’t forget that there’s something special built into the depths of who you are, and it’s been there from the very beginning. Your prayers and words and actions and deeds all matter, and you are doing an amazing job cultivating each of those areas as you navigate the world.

It’s a gift to imagine what God might do with your life and to watch it unfold right in front of me. I can’t believe I’ve been so fortunate all this time…

I’ve never been more grateful or proud to be your mama–I’ve never been more delighted to have this vantage point as you discover more and more of who you are. Praying that you will flourish in whatever you set your heart on, my love, and that the God of Angel Armies will watch over you as you chase every new adventure!

love forever and ever,

mama