How did we get here so fast?

How did we go so fast from this.....

to THIS??

My baby, Ian turned four this week. Four! I guess that means he's not my "baby"...but I plan on calling him that forever. It seems like just yesterday that we were blessed with this perfect little man. Before Ian, Sean and I were under the impression that we'd never be able to have children. I'd had a number of miscarriages, and the doctors weren't that optimistic. From the second I found out I was pregnant with Ian, I knew it was different. Sure, I was a nervous wreck, afraid that we would lose this baby as well, but in the back of my mind I just knew he was here to stay. I am still in awe that God blessed me with this amazing child. I am so proud of him and who he is becoming. He's an average four year old in so many ways...but he's so much more and I know he's destined for great things in his life. Everything he chooses to do, he does with complete commitment and a strong passion. Granted, he weighs his options carefully before making any choices. He is meticulous to detail (I have NO idea where this has come from) and becomes easily frustrated when things stray from whatever plan he has mapped out in his head. He is one of the most empathetic children I've ever known. If another child is crying or upset, tears will well up in his eyes and he'll often start to cry himself if someone does not assure him that things are going to be okay. I know that this incredible boy will continue to make me proud as he grows bigger and bigger. I expect him to be bigger than me by the time he's 10! I am so incredibly grateful for every day that I get to be Ian's mother because every second is truly a blessing. Mommy loves you Ian!

Enjoy some pictures from his birthday!
Ian and Laura frosting cupcakes

Brian and Mckenzie "posing" with the cake. Thanks Brian, it was a work of art!

Oliver really enjoyed the cake!

When I told Ian to smile with his new toy (a GI Joe), he proceeded to shoot at Daddy with his hand, since GI Joe has a gun.

On his actual birthday yesterday, we took him to Chuck E. Cheese to play games for a while. He had a blast.

Oliver was not okay with Barney...

So many junky toys to pick from, and only so many tickets to spend!

He took this decision very seriously. He was probably contemplating which toys to pick for around 10 minutes.

I have no words for this.