Alex is 4
And in the blink of an eye, the baby of the family is four years old. So vivid are the memories of that fateful December 23rd. The memories of the stomach virus that wreaked havoc on Greg and myself. A stomach virus at 38 plus 6 days pregnant will probably always result in a baby at 39 weeks pregnant. Contraction after contraction, painful back labor, still feeling so sick...this all turned into such a sense of joy and happiness when Baby B #4 made his entrance. At 9 pounds even, he was my biggest at birth. My Christmas Eve baby. My own personal Christmas miracle.
I will always tell the story about how, when I found out we were expecting our fourth, I insisted that I would not NOT NOT NOT spend Christmas in the hospital. As a section Mama, I'm able to pick my surgery date, so I was confident in picking December 26th...because I would NOT NOT NOT spend Christmas in the hospital. I probably did it to myself. I willed it to happen. The stars aligned, the Universe conspired against me and God laughed. Such is my life. Such is the story of Alex.
To know Alex is to adore Alex. He's rough and tumble, big and strong, active and rambunctious. He's gentle and kind, cuddly and loving, sweet and caring. He's a walking contradiction according to those descriptions, but nothing could be more accurate. He's quick with the 'i love you's' and hes a sensitive soul. He's my buddy. We do so much together. It's amazing how things work out. I think out of all of my children, he's the one who needs me the most. He demands most of my time and effort and if my children were born in any other order, he wouldn't get what he needs so much of.
The story of Alex in these first 4 years is so different from the stories of the others. He's just...different. I knew it from the moment I laid eyes on him that he would keep my on my toes, he would make me second guess every parenting decision I ever made. It's Alex who has taught me how to pick battles. It's Alex who has taught me about patience and persistence. It's Alex who has taught me how to not sweat the small stuff. It's Alex who makes me stop what I'm doing to cuddle. It's Alex who makes me get out of my own head and to just enjoy playing. It's Alex who teaches me every single day, how to love a little harder and just live. Lisa as a Mom to kid #1 in comparison to Lisa as a Mom to kid #4 is a vastly different Lisa. I have all of the kids to thank for that, but Alex most of all.
Al, you and Emma have such an awesome relationship. I call it the December Connection. You have weird things in common. You remind me the most of eachother. She makes you laugh like no other. You go to her with issues before you come to me. I love that you have this connection. I hope you always have it.
You and Sara are like my mini-Jack and Emma. Jack and Emma, being 17 months apart, grew up together. They were always together, always so close, always 'JackandEmma'. You and Sara, being 18 months apart, are the same way. Sara thinks shes your mom at times, and you're okay with that. You two fight a lot, but I think out of the 4, you play the best together. She's SUPER protective of you...and guess what, you're the same of her. You're a good team. I think that as you guys get older, eve though you're younger, you will play the big brother role to her. You physically meet that description because, as of now, you weigh more and are just about the same height as she is.
And then there is Jack. I think Jack is discovering how difficult it is to be the oldest sibling. To have to be the example. To have 3 younger siblings hanging on your every word. To have a little brother who is so enamored, but so annoying about it. To have a little brother who is pretty strong and likes to hit and punch when he doesn't get his way. Yeah, that's where Jack is at right now You go into his room, Al, and mess up his stuff. Jack, poor thing, is like me, and can be VERY particular and you couldn't care less. I hope you guys will be close as you get older, because right now, I'm willing to bet you may not be his favorite person. Siblings are funny, you have these built in playmates who will one day be your best friends, but it's going to take some time. Jack LOVES you Alex, and I hope that what I'm writing here doesn't make you question that statement. He loves you so much and he tells you on a daily basis. I guess he just doesn't like you at times. Such is life, I guess.
Al, you LOVE cars and trucks. You also have a fantastic collection of purses. You love to pretend and have an outrageous imagination. Paw Patrol remains your number one favorite obsession. You are my best eater, out of all, but that is beginning to wane. You are loud, and fast and STRONG. You are many things, Alex. Most importantly, though, you're my baby boy, That is something you will always be. You have completed this family so perfectly. You are the best, and most amazing Christmas present I could have ever received and I'm so, so thankful for you and everything that makes you you.
And I thank you for choosing me
To come through unto life to be
A beautiful reflection of his grace
See I know that a gift so great
Is only one God could create
And I'm reminded every time I see your face
The only song that would calm you down in those early newborn days I'm not surprised by this at all.
I will always tell the story about how, when I found out we were expecting our fourth, I insisted that I would not NOT NOT NOT spend Christmas in the hospital. As a section Mama, I'm able to pick my surgery date, so I was confident in picking December 26th...because I would NOT NOT NOT spend Christmas in the hospital. I probably did it to myself. I willed it to happen. The stars aligned, the Universe conspired against me and God laughed. Such is my life. Such is the story of Alex.
To know Alex is to adore Alex. He's rough and tumble, big and strong, active and rambunctious. He's gentle and kind, cuddly and loving, sweet and caring. He's a walking contradiction according to those descriptions, but nothing could be more accurate. He's quick with the 'i love you's' and hes a sensitive soul. He's my buddy. We do so much together. It's amazing how things work out. I think out of all of my children, he's the one who needs me the most. He demands most of my time and effort and if my children were born in any other order, he wouldn't get what he needs so much of.
The story of Alex in these first 4 years is so different from the stories of the others. He's just...different. I knew it from the moment I laid eyes on him that he would keep my on my toes, he would make me second guess every parenting decision I ever made. It's Alex who has taught me how to pick battles. It's Alex who has taught me about patience and persistence. It's Alex who has taught me how to not sweat the small stuff. It's Alex who makes me stop what I'm doing to cuddle. It's Alex who makes me get out of my own head and to just enjoy playing. It's Alex who teaches me every single day, how to love a little harder and just live. Lisa as a Mom to kid #1 in comparison to Lisa as a Mom to kid #4 is a vastly different Lisa. I have all of the kids to thank for that, but Alex most of all.
Al, you and Emma have such an awesome relationship. I call it the December Connection. You have weird things in common. You remind me the most of eachother. She makes you laugh like no other. You go to her with issues before you come to me. I love that you have this connection. I hope you always have it.
You and Sara are like my mini-Jack and Emma. Jack and Emma, being 17 months apart, grew up together. They were always together, always so close, always 'JackandEmma'. You and Sara, being 18 months apart, are the same way. Sara thinks shes your mom at times, and you're okay with that. You two fight a lot, but I think out of the 4, you play the best together. She's SUPER protective of you...and guess what, you're the same of her. You're a good team. I think that as you guys get older, eve though you're younger, you will play the big brother role to her. You physically meet that description because, as of now, you weigh more and are just about the same height as she is.
And then there is Jack. I think Jack is discovering how difficult it is to be the oldest sibling. To have to be the example. To have 3 younger siblings hanging on your every word. To have a little brother who is so enamored, but so annoying about it. To have a little brother who is pretty strong and likes to hit and punch when he doesn't get his way. Yeah, that's where Jack is at right now You go into his room, Al, and mess up his stuff. Jack, poor thing, is like me, and can be VERY particular and you couldn't care less. I hope you guys will be close as you get older, because right now, I'm willing to bet you may not be his favorite person. Siblings are funny, you have these built in playmates who will one day be your best friends, but it's going to take some time. Jack LOVES you Alex, and I hope that what I'm writing here doesn't make you question that statement. He loves you so much and he tells you on a daily basis. I guess he just doesn't like you at times. Such is life, I guess.
Al, you LOVE cars and trucks. You also have a fantastic collection of purses. You love to pretend and have an outrageous imagination. Paw Patrol remains your number one favorite obsession. You are my best eater, out of all, but that is beginning to wane. You are loud, and fast and STRONG. You are many things, Alex. Most importantly, though, you're my baby boy, That is something you will always be. You have completed this family so perfectly. You are the best, and most amazing Christmas present I could have ever received and I'm so, so thankful for you and everything that makes you you.
And I thank you for choosing me
To come through unto life to be
A beautiful reflection of his grace
See I know that a gift so great
Is only one God could create
And I'm reminded every time I see your face
The only song that would calm you down in those early newborn days I'm not surprised by this at all.
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