Yesterday Noah went to sleep 3 years old and woke up 4 years old today.  4 years ago in Debre Zeyit a 16-year-old girl, scared and alone gave birth to Hojawaka.  She loved him with all of her heart–I know that. I believe that.  We love him for you–you love him through us.  Four means a lot.  When we first picked Noah up in Ethiopia he was gravely ill–looked gravely ill.  He wouldn’t eat.  He was despondent and we didn’t know when we’d be able to bring him home.  If we’d be bringing him home.  It still saddens me to write that.  He was so sick.  But he bounced back beautifully through love.  He is amazing.  I am blessed each day that I am allowed to be his mother.  The one to raise him and nurture him.  I am also sad that his amazing birth mother (where ever she may be) doesn’t get this joy.  To know this amazing boy who will do amazing things.  This day isn’t only about Noah it’s about that scared teenage girl in Ethiopia.  We honor her today as well.

Four.  It is such a big number.  He is so excited to be four.  He has been waiting to be four since September when his best friend Sophie turned four.  Today is the day.  He wanted pumpkin muffins to share with his class. So, I baked late last night.  Tonight we are having a small family dinner at a local pizza place.  All and all it should be a great day.

Dear Noah,

Today you turn 4 (48 months old).  You have changed in so many ways since you were three.  You now can ride a bike (w/training wheels).  You can write your name.  You can spell some important words–you name, friends names, you sister’s name, zoo.  You can read STOP and we can no longer spell B.A.T.H without you whipping off your clothes and running to the bathroom.

You love to entertain and you enjoying attempting to tell a joke–which really are just silly little observances you make up and we are suppose to laugh at.  You are a sensitive boy who likes to please and doesn’t like to disappoint.  You want to be liked and don’t understand people who are mean.  You still won’t eat a vegetable unless it’s Imo’s salad at Grandpa Mikes house or Avocado.

I am in awe of the way you love your sister.  You two have such a special bond.  I hope it keeps growing in strength. You two are best friends.  I promise that at some point you two won’t be sharing a bed.  I do realize that it will be weird when your teenagers.  And because we are sending you to fancy private school–there is no money for therapy so we’ll get Bobo her own bed soon.

You have an affinity for sports–especially those that involve throwing–you have quite the arm on you for a little boy.  You love football, soccer, baseball and bike riding–first Ethiopian Tour de France winner?  Don’t tell your dad–he’s ready to pack you up and move you to England for proper football (soccer training).

These past 3 years and 7 months have been the most amazing years of my life.  To think how far you have come and how far you have to still travel.  I love you little man and am right there with you when you need me.

XOXO,
I love you
Mommy