Dear Eliot: You are four. Stop.

Dear Eliot,

You are four now and it sounds exponentially older than three for some reason.  You like to remind us at all times (especially when we say you can't do something) that you are four.  As if that should change our minds and solve all problems.  "But I'm already four."  That is what you say. 

The best thing EVER to you is a task.  You like to feel needed and important and helpful.  This is perfect for me because you will put your dirty clothes in the washer, throw away your trash, put your dishes by the sink, brush your teeth, get dressed, and put on your shoes. 

You love to ask us for an activity or a project (your words) and it can be as simple as stacking dominoes or a little more complex such as a detailed craft.  This makes you busy and important and we love watching you as you tackle these things.

Numbers are your very best friend and you're proud to announce to anyone that will listen that you can count to 1,000 by hundreds and to 100 by tens.  The teacher has pulled us aside and told us you work extra hard and long on number activities and this is proof that genes can skip a generation.  By the time you reach fifth grade, you will have to call grandparents for math homework help.  Sorry, bud.  Feel free to come to us about anything regarding drama/music class or snack time and recess. We are your people when it comes to those daunting subjects.

Your curiosity is amazing and you soak up SO MUCH at this age.  You remember everything (sometimes not good for us) and once you have retained new information you love to share it with anyone who doesn't know it or will pretend they didn't know it. 

We are starting to see more of your personality and all of its sides which is super exciting.  Most of the time we can predict what you will like, not like, or do but we can never guess what you will say which is my favorite.  Thank goodness for our #eliotsays because we do not want to forget the gems that come out of your mouth.  Some surprising, some sweet, some brutally honest, some unintentionally hilarious and we love ALL OF THEM. 

You are observant, cautious, kind, well mannered, greedy (I mean you ARE four), curious, hilarious, thoughtful, smart, argumentative, competitive (you beat us all the time in candy land..HOW??), you wear your heart on your sleeve, creative, imaginative, sees things as black and white (this can be tricky sometimes) and just all around FUN. 

We whisper about you at night after you've gone to bed just so you know.  We talk about the things you said and did, the things we hope you learn from us, and sometimes we just talk about how much we love you and can't believe you are ours.  We are obviously crazy about you and can't wait to see what this year brings. 

Please quit reminding us that next you'll be FIVE.

Thanks,
Daddy and Mommy