Karter at Four

Well.  Four was a big number for Karter and it was a birthday he was not necessarily anticipating!  We have been working up to this day for a long time . . . with the saying "Four - No More" and the no more we are referring to is the soother.  The soother was (and still is) a VERY beloved part of Karter's life. He only had it in bed, and it was a wonderful thing.  It has very rarely been a chore to get Karter to bed. He often put himself to bed actually - especially for naps.  If he was needing a little cozy time, up he'd go, grab sooey and he'd be off to sleep in minutes.  There really isn't too much not to like about this important item in his life . . . except it does look slightly funny in his four year old mouth.  And four is pretty big.  So with lots of hype and fanfare (for us as much as for him!) we led up to this big day when he turned four.  It is too early to say what the results will be, but I will say -- so far, not too bad. Not perfect . . but maybe better than expected.  The tricky part about it all is that Konnor has a soother and I still want him to use it. It is helpful to me. So Karter will sometimes borrow and this is where the cold turkey aspect to this is not working perfectly.

Anyway.  This is a big deal. But it is not the end all.

Leading up to the day, we would ask him what he wanted for his birthday. The only thing he wanted was a "birthday party".  He hasn't gotten one yet, but this is just about the busiest couple of weeks ever . . . so maybe next week . . .or next year :)

We dug out the party hats and got festive.

We went to buy a cake . . .but as usual, all the "pretty to Karter" cakes, I happen to know are not that tasty. So we suggested icecream and he thought that was a great idea and we picked out "Birthday Cake" ice cream. Win Win.

He could not get that last candle to blow out :)

The customary sparkler.

No liking the fact that everyone was looking at him:)

Karter got an airport/airplane set from Opa and Oma and it was fun to see all the kids helping him play with it. He is really enjoying it!

It was a good day and a busy day. We had appointments to go to, so we were gone for a lot of the day and then we went to watch Kade play hockey after supper.  Karter wore his "Birthday Boy" sticker all day and he got special treatment and got to tell everyone that he is now 4!

Dad being mean to Konnor and putting him in the empty box. He was less than impressed.

And now for a bunch of pictures from the last year of Karter's life and a bit about this boy of ours:

Karter is a very easy, happy, take it as it comes boy. He loves life and is generally pretty easy to please.  This is not to say he doesn't have the occasional tantrum and grumpy day, but on the whole, he brings us a whole lot of joy!

He is a cozy boy - he will even snuggle on occasion. He loves the opportunity to climb up on our laps and get close.  Most nights he still makes his way over to Kylie's bed.  The interesting thing about this is that his bed is about a foot away right now while we try to get Konnor to sleep through the night.  He thinks it is pretty cool to share a room with Kylie and he doesn't have far to go when he wakes up in the night. As you can see, he doesn't always make it really nice for Kylie.  

He is looking forward to sharing a room with Konnor soon . . . although now that I think about it . . .maybe he has an ulterior motive. He WAS pretty pumped when I told him that he got to share with Konnor soon.

Karter loves his dad and Kevin most of all. At least that is what he'll tell you. When asked, "Who do you love?" It is always "Dad and Kevin"  and then he'll sometimes add the rest or he might say "I don't like Kylie yet."   Too bad his actions say differently! We know he loves us all - most of the time:)

Karter loves reading and being read to.  We try to have a little story or two after I drink my coffee in the morning. He is currently in love with Mo Willems' books (and so am I).  He memorized "I Broke My Trunk" and is very familiar with a bunch of other ones. The great thing about these books is that they are funny and you don't mind reading them over and over. 

Karter is a very active boy too and loves his sports. He loves hockey and is really excited about getting to play soccer this summer. He also enjoys riding his bike.  He is basically willing to try whatever his brothers do.  He is not super daring all the time, but he is definitely not timid either when it comes to trying new things.

He spends hours in the basement on roller blades with the boys - Kevin especially. He will beg people to come down with him and Kevin is usually very willing to have someone to pass to and receive passes from.

Karter loves to be outside and Kylie has taught him how to use his imagination too. I love seeing this. Even in the winter, he will beg someone - ANYONE! to go outside with him.  I am looking forward to warmer days and seeing him run around out there a bit more. (and then I'll even join him!)

Karter is social and loves his friends. He asks often for someone to come over and play.  He loves seeing his buddies at church and they seem to be getting to a stage where they don't disappear quite as often .. . but maybe that is just b/c it is cold.  They loved to hideout in "forts", in vehicles, or somewhere in the big church yard. They have wandered fairly far on occasion and I think they understand now that they need to stay close. Hopefully I haven't spoken too quickly.

Karter loves music and seems to learn quickly - especially the songs he shouldn't necessarily be learning. Thank you brothers.  Some of his after supper favorites are "Clap Your Hands", "Jesus Loves Me", "Go Tell it On the Mountain" and "Zaccheus". He also has really learned the Steve Green Hide Em In Your Heart songs well which is exciting.

Karter is a huge help with Konnor. I trust him to keep an eye on him if I am getting things done. There are times when he gets annoyed by Konnor (if he breaks his tower), but on the whole, they are pretty good playmates and that is really fun to see too.
Karter loves "helping me drive" - especially on the highway. It's all a big race for him and he wants to pass as many cars as possible.  Every car passed is a big deal.  He also helps me get up big hills . . . he asks at the same hills nearly every time, "Need help mom?"

Karter loves animals . . .at least the ones around here.  It makes me happy to have a dog when I see things like this.  He hasn't been in the barn at Opa and Oma's a whole lot, but he does like it most of the time. Last time he went there, he packed his overalls and was bound and determined to go to the barn. It didn't happen b/c it was the wrong time of day, but I think it's great that he is excited about it.

Karter has recently learned UNO and loves it. He will play anytime he can get someone to join him, and if everyone is busy, then he will just sort all the cards according to their colour.

Karter is not always a super meal eater. He almost always has leftover breakfast and lunch - but he is an excellent snacker. You may think there is a correlation - but I don't think it is that clear cut.  He does help himself to snacks a little too often. He can also be found making himself a sandwich at 10:00 in the morning b/c he feels it is lunch time. He does a pretty good job too!

He is very helpful around the house when he wants to be.  If he is in the right mood (and he is most of the time), he will empty the dishwasher, mop the floor, clean up the toys, vaccuum, or dust.  If he is in the wrong mood - don't even ask him to put his shoes straight. He will flop to the ground and say it is TOO hard!

He loves working out in the shop too - with whomever will be out there.  His favorites are Dad and Uncle David .. . but he is pretty comfortable with a few other employees too.

Karter knows some of his letters, can count to 11 and knows a few of his colours.  He's not exactly a genius, but I'm not too worried about it at all. Anything he has learned, he has picked up just by living life and I love that.

He has gotten to be a really good player which is great. It took him a long time to get to this point and I think he just needed to be taught how to sit and play and use his imagination. He is pretty good at it and blocks are his big favorite right now. He will sit in the office by the computer with his big bucket of duplo and just create.

Karter is getting a bit of a sense of humour - probably unintentionally, but he will say the funniest things that make us crack up.  It is mostly things he has heard one of us say, but the timing and the way he says it is hilarious. He also has a great laugh. When he gets going, he will laugh and laugh. Konnor is the best at getting him to do this.  It's pretty contagious.

Karter has had his first two visits to the dentist and though he was amazing . . the situation inside his mouth was not so great.  We are off to a pediatric dentist to see what we can do for his back teeth.  We've been blessed with good teeth in our kids up to this point . . .so it is a little sad :(

Karter loves Storytime at the library, Bible Boys and Girls at church, and going to school with me when I teach Phys.Ed.  I think these are his favorite days.

His favorite colour is green.

His favorite movies are Franklin, Bob the Builder and Leapfrog.

He has recently started calling Kylie "Kolly". It is funny to hear his accent on her name. I'm not sure where it came from and I'm sure it will disappear soon, but for now it makes us smile.

He can write the letter K and A.  

He loves to be goofy and if he is laughed at, he will ramp it up a notch . . . often to the point where it is not so funny any more. We do love his off the cuff, goofy humour though.

Karter loves coffee time and will often make his own mess hot chocolate so he can join us in our little break.  Sometimes he drinks it. Sometimes he doesn't.

When Karter prays he usually prays with at least one eye open . . .sometimes two. He then rattles off his prayers (he usually makes his own) really fast - they can go on for a while, but he speaks fast! It is cute to hear him think his requests through. (a little bit)

Driving in the work truck with dad is a major treat - usually in more ways than one. Dad loves to spoil you.  You even get to go on service calls sometimes or to bring away scrap metal. These little trips are huge highlights for you!

Karter, my dear fourth born child.  You are a blessing. You bring us incredible joy.  We are thankful every day for your presence in our lives.  Five and school all of the sudden doesn't seem that far away, and we are no where near ready to let you go!  We love having you home. Thank you for your happy disposition and the smiles you bring to all of us each and every day. We love hearing you sing your Hide em in your Heart songs as you play and work. We love hearing you chat it up with your toys as you use your imagination. We love seeing you enjoy sports and do well at them.  Always try hard and never give up . . .even when your way bigger than you brothers don't hardly give you a chance. Keep going!  Keep being kind to your brothers and sister and friends. Keep snuggling with mom and dad and joining us for coffee time.  Keep praying to God and remembering that He takes care of you all the time and sees you all the time and loves you all the time! He is your Friend! When you are afraid, you can trust in God - whose Word we praise! (This is one of your favorite songs)  We pray you will always love the Lord and want to trust Him and serve him 

We love you SO super much.