Four-est!

Forest turned four today! We have survived the terrible twos and the trying threes and now are welcoming the 'fabulous fours' with open arms. This past year has been remarkable in terms of development, the last 6 months especially. There were a few worrisome months in there where we fretted over his social skills, but as time goes by, we feel re-assured that it's a personality issue rather than a developmental one. His new school has been wonderful and though his teachers describe him as quiet, bashful and introverted, they also remark on how empathetic, easy-going, and thoughtful he is. They say he is observant and cautious, but once he gets engrossed in an activity, all that self-consciousness melts away. He's a stickler for rules and as always, thrives when he has clear boundaries and knows what to expect. At home and when he's comfortable, he quickly comes out of his shell and becomes the most energetic and boisterous kid in the room. Who knew a four year old could have so many layers? 

Here are just a few stats at this moment in time:

Height: 43 inches (94%)
Weight: 41 lbs (89%)
Favorite color: blue
Favorite toy: Train tracks
Favorite Movie: Cars and Planes 
Favorite TV show: Daniel Tiger and Bob the Builder
Favorite Book: I'm a Frog by Mo Willems
Favorite song: Nancy Mulligan by Ed Sheeran
Best friends: Cousin Andrew, Duck Andrew (preschool, this is his phrasing and how he distinguishes them), Nolan, Dylan and Quinn
Favorite place: The ice cream shop (chiller bee)
Activities: Gymnastics, Awanas, BSF

 Happy birthday, gorgeous angel! Watching you grow is our favorite thing.