Anderson Express: Dane's 4th Birthday!

Our big man, in all respects, turned 4 on March 26th. He is currently in preschool 3 mornings a week, and probably way too smart for what he's doing:) He has a great, well-developed sense of humor and also loves to snuggle and make people laugh. His defiance has definitely toned down, while his curiosity and ability to take care of himself has increased significantly. He can go to the bathroom ALL BY HIMSELF! It's huge for us, and for him. He eats most meals with a little prodding, but no longer needs us to be quite as involved. His favorite food is peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, he still drinks two yogurt smoothies every day for breakfast, and he still prefers pretty much any fruit or veggie to any typical unhealthy kid food. Love that! He loves Knox and is learning how to be gentle and play with Aria. They have so much fun just imagining adventures, from being Pablo and Uniqua, to being Puss and Kitty Softpaws, they've really started to play together, which is awesome. Dane is definitely the initiator, and has a strong, leading personality. I keep trying to remind myself that for all the stress it causes me now, it will make him successful as an adult. We also have many conversations about God and who He is, what He likes and doesn't, and how that relates to Dane. Every night he thanks God for "my wonderful sister Aria, and Knoxy and mommy and daddy, and my wonderful bus bed". He can run for hours straight and not be tired, and talks essentially from the minute he wakes up to the minute he falls asleep. He is precious, and strong-willed, and sweet, and a challenge all wrapped up in a little redheaded blur.

Dane, we pray for a clear sense of right and wrong, for empathy that translates into action, for wonderful uses for all that energy and for challenges to your amazing intellect. We love you, Dane Bear! Happy 4th birthday!