I’m having trouble finding the words to celebrate my best guy turning four years old today. It’s been a whirlwind year watching him learn and grow. He is so interested in books and reading. He’s learning letters and sight words like crazy. He loves understanding how things work, often by taking them apart, and I swear he’s going to be some kind of engineer when he grows up. He’s constantly telling me about the things he wants to do when he “gets bigger” but I’m encouraging him to stay little just a bit longer.
He has grown up a ton this year though. I swear he grows inches overnight. But the biggest change has been watching him become the best big brother to Charlotte.
These photos perfectly capture his sweet and silly personality.
Birthday Traditions
It’s our tradition to decorate his door and open presents as soon as he wakes up. The night before he could hardly fall asleep and I kept watching his little eyes wide awake on his monitor. I think he was more excited than Christmas!


Batman Theme
I knew when we picked the theme for his party, it was going to be something super hero. His beloved Batman won!

We kept things simple for our family party. Our birthday decor and photo props are from Party City, the “Joker Juice” is green Kool-Aid, and the cake topper is actually a Lego set from Amazon. Spoiler alert: the Lego Batman car was snatched off the cake before our guests arrived.
Party Fun
I have so many cute pictures with our photo backdrop, but this one is my absolute favorite.

I squeezed my big guy a few extra times this year. I’m guessing this will be our last year having Carter all to ourselves with just the family for his birthday. We usually do grandparents, aunts/uncles, and cousins, but I have a feeling once he starts preschool next year he’ll want to invite his friends to join us.
A Note To Carter
Happy birthday to you! When I look back over the last four years, it feels like an instant and an eternity at the same time.⠀
We waited a long time for you, and I didn’t know if this mom gig was going to work out for me. But you completely changed my life for the better when you made me a momma.⠀
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Choosing to work from home has meant you’ve been my near-constant sidekick. I know you’re ready to head off to preschool next year, but the house is going to be far too quiet without you around.⠀
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You love Lego, super heroes, McDonald’s, Hot Wheels, peanut butter toast, cuddles, King’s Island, all the snacks, silly faces, fire trucks, and playing in the sand.⠀
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You are the best big brother. Seeing your patience with Charlotte this year makes my momma heart so proud of you. I cannot wait to see your friendship grow. You are her favorite person by far.⠀
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I hope this year is kind to you. I hope you learn and grow a bunch. I hope you continue to show your joyful heart. I hope you exercise just a little less of that stubbornness you’ve inherited from… someone. I hope you continue to be your own little person. You can be anything you want, Carter Man. It’s a joy to watch you grow.⠀
