RIght Here In My Arms Tonight

Dearest Matthew,

As I sat rocking you before you climbed into bed tonight , your last night before you turn four years old, I couldn't help but be a bit teary. For one, your mom is a sappy soul who cries quite easily. And two, you are my baby. My second and last child. I will have no more three year olds to tuck in at night after tonight. But.. as I tell you often.. my tears are mostly happy and proud ones, for I am so happy and proud to be your mom. Your life has brought more joy and laughter and smiles and fun to our lives than we ever could have hoped for or imagined. You have definitely made our family complete.

You wake up in the morning and are ready to get going, just like me. (Your dad and sister require quite a bit of time to get going in the morning.. I am glad you and I can be the go-getters..heehee). "Good Morning, mommy!" is your usual happy greeting, followed by " is daddy home today?"  and "does sisser have school today?" Lately I have been waking you up before daddy leaves for work because you have been so, so sad when you "didn't get to give daddy a good bye hug and kiss!" Both daddy and I love it when you jump out of bed and stumble to the kitchen to see him off. It makes your daddy's day. And yours, too.

Your sister is your favorite play mate. Your translator.  Your partner in crime. Your best friend. Having her in school all day has been a big transition for me, but also for you. "Time to go get sisser at school?" is a question I get so many times throughout the day. You miss her terribly and are always so excited to have her home with you in the afternoon. She misses you too... for sure. I am glad she has friends who also have brothers your age so you get to try out having "play dates" with new buddies Owen and Sam. I know someday all too soon you also will be in school and it will be helpful to already know some kids.

You have grown up so much year yet remain such a fun and silly little boy. The things that come out of your mouth sometimes are so stinkin' funny... you can be such a crack up. Yet at the same time you love to have us read the Bible to you and you ask good and hard questions... some of which led to you asking Jesus into your heart this year. Such a big decision for such a little guy.. but we are so proud of you and thankful you love the One who saved you!!

You are active... oh, so active. You love your "scoota" and your bike. You love going for walks and playing at the park. Your hippity hope is my saving grace on rainy days as you use it to get your wiggles out. You LOVE Hot Wheels and playing cars with me... all over the house. I love that you love to be on the go, even tho it's new territory for mommy. It's been a joy to watch you light up when you are outside and moving. I look forward to watching you grow and see where all your energy take you.

While you are active and "all boy", you are also shy and so kind and sensitive. You hurt when others hurt and don't like it when anyone is crying. You are quick to forgive and quick to give a hug. You are a good sharer and are patient in waiting your turn. You love your family and hate being away from them. For any reason. Especially your sister. I love your big heart and pray it continues to be big and bold.

I could go on and on... but I need to go to sleep, for you will be up early no doubt! HA! The words to this song I sing to you and your sister every night often make me tear up.

Sun goes down and we are here together
Fireflies glow like a thousand charms
Stay with me and you can dream forever
Right here in my arms

It's magic, when you are here beside me
Close your eyes and let me hold you tight
Everything, that I could ever need is
Right here in my arms tonight

Sounds of day fade away

Stars begin to climb
Melodies fill the breeze
Sweeter all the time

My love is always with you

Wether it's near or far

My love is always with you

And right here in my arms tonight.

My love for you knows no bounds... and I love being your mom and having you "right here in my arms tonight"