Dear Roman,

Not since you were Charlotte’s age have you seen a major snowfall in our neighborhood… until this week. The white stuff started falling Saturday afternoon and it didn’t stop until Thursday night! That’s a crazy amount of snow for Seattle! School was cancelled for the entire week. We didn’t get in the car. Even Dad couldn’t make it into work for a couple days. With the city snowed in we took full advantage!

You did some major sledding over at the park across from our house. Running and jumping, trying to get air and basically having the time of your life. Tons of snowball fights were had, you spent hours building, playing, creating with the snow. We’d buddle up and head out on foot with you and your sister being towed in the sled. Your Dad and I took you both on daily trips around town- to the market for gelato, the coffee shop for hot cocoa. It was definitely a sight to take in as people made their way on foot, sled, snowboard or ski instead of the usual cars occupying the streets. Kirkland was temporarily transformed into a snowy resort town. It was pretty spectacular.

And now the snow is slowly melting. Amazing what a difference a day can make! School is going to resume next week, schedules and classes and car trips and getting dressed instead of living in pajamas. We’ll go back to being stuck indoors because of rain. Blah. But that’s what makes snow so special right? It’s unexpected, enchanting and temporary.

Merry Christmas Roman!

You were so aware and into everything the season had to offer this year. Songs, books, sweet treats, decorations, Elf on the Shelf- you loved it all. We continued traditions like visiting the Teddy Bear Room and Gingerbread Houses downtown, as well as Snowflake Lane and even a reluctant visit to the big man Santa Claus. But in my opinion the best holiday moment came one night when we decided totally last minute to go see the Christmas Ships. We had just missed them down at Marina Park in our neighborhood so we hopped in the car and zoomed across the bridge to the other side of Lake Washington. As we drove across we passed the boats all lit up and shining off the water’s reflection. You and Charlotte started shouting, “Christmas Ships Christmas Ships Christmas Ships” with excitement. We raced across the bridge to Madison Park just as the ships were pulling up. The air was crisp and it was unusually dry which made it the perfect night to stand outside and watch the show- carolers singing over a loud speaker as decorated ships floated on the lake. After the last song we walked to dinner (well past your usual bedtime). As we walked we passed a horse drawn carriage trotting along Madison St. and a few nice people handing out cookies and hot beverages on the sidewalk. Seriously it felt like something out of a Dickens novel.

Christmas morning was the best so far. You weren’t overwhelmed or too stimulated. You took in the morning with patience and a bit of calmness which was so refreshing. After opening a few presents you actually turned to us and said, “I think Santa has brought me enough. I don’t need to open any more presents.” Your big gift was a left handed electric guitar. I think you were so in awe that you actually got to play and touch the guitar that you didn’t really realize it was yours to keep. You also liked a dress up jet pack and of course the Lego sets you received.

After Christmas we had a really nice week off from school and classes. No reason to get going right away in the morning allowed you and Charlotte the option of staying in pajamas and playing together for hours. Before New Years we took a short trip to see some snow in the mountains and met Mimi and Pop for a two night stay. We had a blast inner tubing, sledding, ice skating and swimming! Next up is teaching you how to ski!

At pickup from preschool today you handed me your school bag and I took out a piece of construction paper that had some colored shapes (circles, ovals, a star) glued to it. Like most of your art it was very abstract and I had to ask the usual, “oh this is really cool Buddy. Um, what is it?”  To which you replied, “it’s Batman’s Batcave. See the star in the middle. We were supposed to make the Baby Jesus scene, but I decided to make a Batcave.”

Dear Roman,

Your dad has waited for this moment since you were born. I’m not going to lie, I have too.  As your parents we’ve been super excited for you to get into two specific hobbies- drawing and Legos. The first never interested you (or has yet to) but the second you have taken to like a natural. The same way you did with a guitar.

You collected a few Lego car sets from our walks up to the drugstore  and I organized all my old Legos into boxes that are within your reach. Pretty much every waking hour spent at home consists of you building boy things with your Legos. By “boy things” I mean battle ships, vehicles, prisons, shuttles… It’s amazing to me how you just create with no visual reference whatsoever. Yesterday I took you to a Lego class (because to my surprise that really exists) held at your favorite neighborhood toy store. There were tables with bins of Legos set out. The really cool kind that you don’t own yet like… drumroll… STAR WARS LEGOS!!!!! That’s pretty much the ultimate cool thing in your world. You sat for a good hour next to the other (older) boys creating, well boy things. You’d make a ship and the kid next to you would make a ship and then the two of you would have your ships battle. You have some skills too. I was really impressed with what you made.

And the best part is when Charlotte is napping and you and I hang out playing Legos together. I love you kid, even more than you love Legos.

Just a quick note to tell you how much I love you. We’re in a really good place right now you and I. It feels super good for your mama to have her buddy back- that’s YOU. After Charlotte was born our relationship took a bit of a beating. I knew it initially, but then I think I sort of got used to the way we interacted and the little bit of distance became normal. But 19 months later I realized  that you and I are really close again. Like you’re holding my hand when we take walks and cuddling with me when I read books at night. Hanging out getting a coffee together can turn into an impromptu “date” as you call them. You’ll say, “This is so much fun Mom. Getting a pastry and hanging out together.” I think so too Roman. In fact sometimes I think about how I can’t wait to know who you’ll be 20 years from now and I just hope I’m cool enough for you so that you’ll still want to get coffee together.

xo,

Mom

You’ve changed so much over the last month. Turning 4 was a really big deal for you and now it seems you’re settling in to a new stage quite nicely.

Big differences I’ve noticed-

At the park or on playdates with your friends you require zero assistance from me. The other day we went to Izzie’s one afternoon and the two of you escaped up to her room for over 30 minutes. Finally you both came downstairs to “check in” dressed in costumes. Lots of pretend play still! That same afternoon the two of you put on an elaborate concert for your moms and siblings and even made up lyrics to all the songs. I will often catch bits and pieces of your imaginary play at the park and over hear adventures about saving the day and rescuing people/animals in distress.

At swim you are now swimming under water the entire length of the pool. Seriously! You take a deep breath, put your head down and swim across coming up for air once you’ve reached the other side. Plus you’re doing  cannonball jumps off the side- something you were always so afraid to do.

You’re currently big into trying to be a gentleman. This means holding doors for people, letting girls go first and hugging Charlotte in a gentle way. You often forget to say “please” and “thank you” so I’ll remind you and make you go back and say it again. So when you actually remember to use polite words you’re so proud declaring, “I was such a gentleman!”

There’s so much less arguing over toys with friends. You were always very good at sharing a toy, but over the summer there were times when you and a friend would struggle taking turns. But lately it seems you and your peers work it out without struggle or intervening from an adult.

Your coloring skills have really developed. All of a sudden you are concentrating and staying within the lines. When you put pen to paper you’re drawing scenes and people instead of scribbles. It’s super cool to see all the projects you create at school- a city made from glue and wood, a family tree, paintings, cut out pumpkins, etc.

No more battles getting you to do your part. We usually only have to ask once for you to get dressed in the morning or to put your pjs on at night. When you come in the door at home you know to take off your shoes and where to put them without being reminded. You’re getting really good at picking up your toys. All this sounds super boring I know, but it’s a really big deal to your parents becuse it means less “reminding” and more of us being able to treat you like… well… a four year old!

We love you!

This afternoon was spent at the park with your best buddies Izzie and Nicholas. The three of you are really cute together and it’s been amazing to watch how you have grown from kids who needed adult supervision to what you are now- three kiddos totally capable of playing, sharing, interacting together. It couldn’t have been more apparent to me today. From the moment we arrived you were off playing and running around. You only briefly checked in with me to request a snack and water. Then it was off for more fun. At one point the three of you made your way to a corner in some grass farthest away from where the moms were standing. Through my chit chat with the other moms I noticed you sitting in a circle talking about who knows what. You guys looked so grown up hanging out so far away. It still takes be by surprise to realize that you in fact are that kid. Anyway, on the way home we had a little conversation that went like this:

YOU- Mom do you know why Nicholas and Izzie and I went to the other side of the park?

ME- No why?

YOU- Because we were telling stories and we didn’t want you to hear.

ME- Oh really? What kind of stories?

YOU- Well I told a story about a boy who pumped his stomach up and up and up until it popped!

ME- Hmm. That’s creative.

And that’s when I realized, you really wanted separation from me. You know, so you could be a kid with your friends. Tell silly stories and laugh and joke and play games in the privacy of your own space. WOW you’re growing up so fast!

Dear Roman,

This week was a really big week for you. It was the first week of school- a different preschool with new teachers and friends to get to know. What a fantastic week it was.

St John’s Preschool is right in our neighborhood which means if the weather is nice we can walk. And since it didn’t rain this week we took advantage of the opportunity. The first day of school you were filled with excitement and anticipation as we walked to class. On our way you were telling me how “four year olds act” which in your eyes you might as well be an adult and you practically skipped the entire way. As soon as you opened the school door you were greeted by your 3 teachers and shown the first of many routines- find your name written on a picture of an owl, velcro your owl to a spot on a tree on the wall and then put your bag in your cubby. All of which you did with great concentration. Then you slowly walked into your classroom, gave me a hug and kiss goodbye and went straight to the book section. One of your teachers joined you and started reading your book of choice. Of course I stuck around a little to watch how you adjusted, but I really didn’t need to. You were totally fine in the new environment.  And that was that. Another “first day of school drop off” success story. Two and a half hours later Charlotte and I were back to pick you up. The designated wait area is out in the hall, but your class door has a window so I couldn’t help myself and took another peek in. You were sitting in a circle with all your classmates and a teacher was sitting in a chair talking and and encouraging dialog between kids. Then she dismissed you one by one out into the hall where the eager parents stood. I got a huge hug and kiss from you the minute you exited and then you were talking a mile a minute about school- you made play-doh and got to take it home, you learned how to say colors in Spanish but couldn’t remember, your teacher read a funny book about a dog that goes to school, you had yogurt for snack and it was good, you liked playing outside and oh yeah you played Mr. Potato Head with your buddy Sawyer. Then as we were getting ready to walk back home some of your new friends asked if you wanted to go get pizza for lunch. Of course you were thrilled (Zeek’s pizza is your favorite) and before I could say “yes” you were holding hands with a chain of four kids and walking down the street in front of me.

The next day at preschool was just as successful. Your teachers wanted to make sure you got to celebrate your birthday in class since school started after your big day so Tuesday was designated “Roman’s special day” at school. I was given an “all about me” poster to work on with you so that you could bring it and share with your class. You were also allowed to bring something for show and tell and I made chocolate rice crispy treats for snack. Charlotte and I were invited to join in the celebration and I watched you tell the class about your best friends (Sawyer, Izzie, Nicholas, Bodhi), favorite color (blue and grey), what you want to be when you grow up (coast guard), favorite food (cob on the corn and french fries) and that you have a fish named Calvin. Then it was time for show and tell. You brought your guitar (favorite possession) and let all 13 kids take a turn at playing it. Your friends sang happy birthday and then you enjoyed the crispy treats. It was all so adorable I couldn’t stand it.

In just a week I already feel like this preschool is home for you. We see so many familiar faces in the halls of friends we’ve known from other classes or from the neighborhood. Your teachers are beyond nice and professional. Each day you’re given a helper job in class which is perfect for you since you love a task. Class is organized and structured, but fun and nurturing. I really think it’s going to be a great school year!

A few weeks before you turned 4 we threw another joint birthday party with your best pal Izzie. All of your friends were invited to a costume party- You picked Zorro as your costume of choice and asked that Charlotte dress as Wonder Woman. Super Heroes, race car drivers, Buzz Lightyear, various animals and lots of princesses gathered at Turtle Park to overdose on sugary treats, enjoy some face painting and have lots of fun. Handmade wands and super hero masks served as the party favors.  All in all it was yet another memorable celebration.

You’re 4! That’s so big kid.  It was a long journey for you over the last year with lots of ups and downs, but look at all you’ve accomplished.

Over this last year you conquered potty training, gave up your pacifier, started preschool and met all sorts of new friends. You tried soccer and loved it. You learned to swim and overcame your fear of water.

You learned how to be a big brother and a really good one at that. You share your toys with your sister and ask Charlotte to join in your fun. You look after her, she means the world to you. The two of you carry on conversation (even though she barely talks) and play together all day long. Besides playing with Charlotte you’ve learned how to play on your own as well. Hardly believe I can say that since you were so the kid who needed constant interaction, but you’ve really matured this past year. You’re able to go off and pretend play or look through books in your room without mom by your side. You’ve learned how to play with friends too. The playground and park served as the perfect spot for you and your buddies to work on taking turns, sharing, deciding what to play. You’ve slowed down a lot lately- as in you’re pausing and stopping to notice the world around you instead of go go going as a toddler. You’ll sit still long enough to enjoy a morning walk down to the coffee shop where you, Charlotte and myself share pastries and steamers… sitting at a table in a chair instead of eating on the run.  You’re a thinker who asks questions about everything and ponders right vs. wrong constantly. The conversations we’ve been having can definitely get pretty deep.

You still love, LOVE music and instruments. You make up songs and play your guitar every single day. You also go crazy for books. You love anything Star Wars, super hero, action figure, astronaut related. You like building and creating, pretending to “fix stuff” and playing with Legos.

So Happy Birthday to our super creative, thoughtful, generous, social, sensitive kid. 4 years ago today you started teaching your mama what life is really all about and I’ve never been the same. I love you kid!

xo,

Mom