He's Four!!

My soon to not be baby anymore turned 4 today! I can't believe it since it feels like he's been acting like a 4 yr old for a long time. I started this post at noon and then they day just got away from me and now I'm almost too tired to finish it at 9pm. We had a great day (busy but great) but first before I post his party I wanted to write a little about our 'Daner'. This post is looong but since I waited so long to finish it I just put the party on here too.

He was the sweetest baby. He did have his moods and he loved his mommy time but really he was so quiet and calm. He tried to teach himself how to suck his thumb forever and he finally mastered it around 4 1/2 months. So many critics out there on this topic but really with the teeth genetics Milo and I are passing on he (and the others) is bound to have braces so what the heck, at least he could comfort himself right?

He was only 7 months old when Kathryn came to our home and I know Heavenly Father helped him to be a good natured, sweet baby because of what was going to happen down the road. Or H.F. knew how hard it would be on me and knew I would need a sweet baby. Things were hectic at that time of decisions and he took it in stride, napping wherever and hanging in his car seat. He didn't care, he always had his thumb.

He had no desire to walk when he turned one. I remember thinking buddy I'll give you until Christmas (he would have been almost 16 months) and then I'm taking you back in for the no walking issue. I guess he read my mind because a couple weeks before the cutoff, he started cruising all over the place. And he has hardly sat still since. He is busy, busy, busy. The only thing that slows him down is his blanket and thumb. I'm hoping those are his 2 favorite things behind his mom and dad but sometimes I think we're second!

He is my mess maker! I found him like this so many times. Just insert whatever food we were eating for the day and it was all over him. Spaghetti, pb&j, ice cream. Whatever (above is peaches) it was, once he was bored watch out, there would be a mess to clean up.

And then out of the kitchen he made (still makes) messes too. These photos make me look like I'm not around all day long but I swear I am (especially since this photo is way before blogging time) and we have a little house so I should hear him right? Wrong! He found an entire container of oatmeal and spread it all over the carpet in Kathryn's room. I found little pieces of it for at least a week. He is out silent assassin, preferring to use shock and awe as his most effective method. And he has struck more times that can possibly be counted.

Halloween 2005. He hated this costume! He did eventually end up not crying but it was not without some serious bribing! When he does not want to do something, everyone is quite aware of it. He's either right on with what you want him to do for you...or not on at all if that makes sense. He looks like this almost every Sunday telling us church is boring and takes too long. But then when a speaker says 'Blah, blah, blah' in their talk, he remembers it for days so I know he is always listening. He has memorized the 1st Article of Faith with his Sunbeam class and can sing all the words of the program songs. His favorite is 'Love is Spoken Here'. Most of the time reverse psychology works with him (he loves to break rules with a smile on his face). I'm guessing we should stop that one day here real soon, it might back fire on us.

I always want to write the funny stuff this kid says but most of the time with him it's tone of voice, facial expression and body language! He is so funny though and I know someday I wont remember any of it. He talked so early and soon enough he was making funnies right away. I love taking pictures of him sucking his thumb and I had to finish these photos with this one. He looks so peaceful and since this is the only time I get to see him still, I take advantage of it!

His Party----

Dane told me he wanted a Ninja Turtle cake. Yikes, I didn't know how to make a turtle cake. I usually make the kids cakes but they are NOT detailed at all. Marion found this picture online and she graciously agreed to help me. There is NO way I could handle one like this on my own. Don't you think she did a great job of copying this all from a printed photo? She helped me every step of the way, I really made it all out of stars. I must say I impressed myself (all with her right by me though!)

She also had the great idea to make a white cake and tint the batter green. How perfect for a Turtle birthday? I think it turned out great! Oh and he hasn't ever actually seen Ninja Turtles, it's all in the marketing. Can you believe it?

He loved the cake and before anyone could stop him, his finger was stuck in the red tongue frosting in the first 5 seconds after seeing it. I prepared myself, knowing it's what he would do so I didn't get mad.

He loves little guys he can play with and walk around and take in the car with us. This is a new Darth Vader and he was so excited for it. I think 4 is a hard year to buy things for, he has a bike, a scooter and all the gear like that. He didn't really 'need' anything so this year he just scored with some toys, a couple movies and some much needed jeans and winter shirts.

When he opened a card with money in it, in true Dane fashion, he said, 'MONEY?' (see what I mean about tone of voice with him, I can't explain it). And then put it on his head. Of course he had us all cracking up.

I feel so blessed to be his mom, to have him in our home is so fun. He is challenging but at the end of the day it's so rewarding. In my non scientific surveys of many moms, it stands to be a second child thing (maybe a second child boy thing?). I know he'll keep me on my toes but so far in the 4 years he's been here, it's exactly what I need. Love you Dane, Happy Birthday!