Dear Hudson,Happy 4th Birthday! 4, is that possible? It seems like just yesterday I was writing your 3-year-old birthday message. I sat down tonight and tried to think of some words to describe you, but there is one that keeps coming to mind…charm. Son, you are loaded with charm. I read a quote once that said “Charm is a way of getting the answer yes without asking a clear question”. You really know how to use your charm to get what you want. Mostly, you want cookies. Hopefully as you get older you will use your charm for good.
You are very athletic. Last summer you learned how to swim. Really swim. You go to the bottom (of the shallow end) of the pool for dive sticks. You had no problem swimming across our pool. You especially love jumping off of the diving board. 
You love soccer. One day when you are a soccer star you will have your Dad and brother to thank for it. Daddy for letting you practice with Connor’s team and Connor for never, EVER letting you have the ball.This is the year you also began ice skating lessons. You absolutely love to skate. I love the reaction of the people at public skate sessions when you (and your brother) get on the ice and zigzag around all of the adults. Oh, I almost forgot, you also learned how to roller blade. And now you are almost as fast as mommy. Though I am sure it wont be long before you are faster…. your brother already is!
Just last week you started karate and sparring. Needless to say being told that you are allowed to kick and punch another kid is quite the opposite of what we have been trying to teach you. Speaking of that, you really have learned more self-control this year. You basically tortured Ryan last year. You would just walk up and punch him and of course, since he is 3.5 years older than you, he never hit you back. Your behavior is one of your biggest changes as you move from 3 to 4.By far the coolest thing you have learned to do this year is read. Yes, I said read. You are on you 14th book. This evening you read a page without sounding out any of the words. You just read. I would like to take credit for this, but your Daddy was the one who sat with you every night teaching you the letter sounds. Then he helped you sound out your first word...BUT. (This really inspired you to keep reading)
I have had a hard time writing this year’s letter and I think I just figured out why. I’m not ready for you to be 4 just yet. You are such a sweet 3 year old. You still love to cuddle with me. You still ask for a hug anytime you don’t know what to say and I just don’t know that I am ready to give up my “baby” and let you turn into a big boy. I love our special time of the day. OUR special time is cooking time. You insist on helping with every meal. You want to measure, stir and taste everything I cook. This is something I will never forget doing together. I look forward to cooking many more meals together.Happy Birthday My little man! Daddy and I love you so much Bubbalou! (You are OK with nicknames this year).
Love,
Mommy
