Dear Gavin,
Happy 4th Birthday BIG BOY!
Just saying your name makes me chuckle. You are by far a light to all those around you.You have such a unique mixture of traits; sweet, loving, sassy, funny, energetic, charismatic, sneaky, flirtatious, sensitive, stubborn, feisty, intelligent, empathetic, caring, extroverted yet at times shy. You are such a joy to have in our lives. From the day you were born you have kept us all smiling and laughing with your raspy little voice and antics. As a baby, your chubby cheeks and rolly-polly thighs and arms were my favorite things and now I look at you and my eyes fill up with tears because you are such a big boy.
Four years old today, where did my chubby little rascal go who used to scream between bites of baby food because I couldn't shovel it into your mouth fast enough? Or the little boy who would vivaciously jump up and down in his crib every morning laughing until we came and picked him up and int he meantime wore his bumper pads next to nothing. Or the little baby who on the day we brought Eli home from the hospital said in his raspy voice (with pacifier still in I might add), "Daddy baby Eeeeeli"! These memories have been replaced with this outstanding young boy who everyday makes me crazy and yet so very proud to call myself his Mommy.
Gavin, as your Mommy I want you to know that you are a gift from God. You are an amazing son and big brother, who daily shows us love in the most genuine from. Your compassion and protective nature for Elijah is admirable. My heart swells with pride and admiration at the boy you have become and the man I know and desire you to be. I pray that the Lord would be a constant working in your life and that as you grow you would seek after Him and strive to be the man He has woven you to be. We love you so much!