So Now You're Four
Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 02:00PM 
Are you sure about that Nana...
Dear Jaxson, I'm writing this early so that you can read it on your birthday next week. We had your party last Sunday because Papa and I are going to be away on our Mission trip on your real birthday. So on that day, this will be my gift to you. You'll have to get Mommy to read it to you...perhaps while your tucked into bed after so much fun with your little friends. That is something that happen this year, you didn't have to many little friends before but now you have lots of them. Slowly, you will move away, just like Liam did. Oh I know he still loves me and that him and I are still best friends...and I know also, that you will love me because you and I are best Bud's. I'm so grateful to have the two of you to teach me all the new things that I'll need to know...even just this past year you have taught me and Papa so much..mostly when we are driving in the car. Why just this week, you told me that I couldn't look at your YouTube video because "it's not for girls"...I see. A special YouTube video just for boys...I think you might have tricked me there just by the look on your face...I'm really wondering if it was "not for small boys"..but that's o.k. Tricks work sometimes...so Jaxson...let's check out all the cool stuff that you learned this year, especially on Tuesday's with Nana and Papa.
Oh look at you with your cowboy apron on. Your learning how to cook, although this day you were just whipping up some chocolate pudding for you and Liam. I like spending time with you in the kitchen and your treats are always delicious. Your always so happy to run to Liam when he comes in and to show you what you made for tea time...I think tea time is a favorite part of the day for both of you at Nana's house. I know I love it best also...
Your first friend, after me of course, was Gracie. When you would go to watch Liam play sports you would always take Gracie for a walk..I think both of you were practicing, you learning to walk her and Her learning to trust you..but now, she goes with you all the time. Such a good job there Jaxson. Maybe soon she'll trust you enough to have a sleep-over at your house when Nana and Papa travel...but hmmm, not just yet.
Where are you Jaxson...oh, there you are. Under the water. This is your second year of swim lessons and you have learned so much this year. Really big stuff, like floating and jumping way into the water, trying to get your feet to touch the bottom. We go every Tuesday in the morning before we go off to our adventure for the day..Your so brave..and not at all afraid of getting your face wet. Just a few weeks ago, you jumped off the big block next to the diving board...I know, you tell me every week as you point to it, "I'm not jumping off that"..it's o.k Jaxson...jumping off the block was huge and I'm so proud of you because I know it was scary for you...but the smile when you came up...wow, wish I had my camera for that shot.
You are a wiz at the I-phone and I-pad. Well, enough said about that. The really important lesson that you've learned about them though is ...when your asked to shut them off, you always do and you know that you can't have them at dinner or snack time because that time is for conversation. Oh my, wouldn't it be so sad if you didn't know how to power down and we never got to have conversation. One of my most favorite things to do with you this year was to have conversation. Guess why, because you not only use your words but you use your hands and your eyes..and you make these really great expressions that send me and Papa into gales of laughter..so thanks, Buddy, for always tuning out so you can tune in to us...but I have to admit..your very good at what you do with that thing...
Now this was a really fun day...you gave Papa a run for his money...you learned to keep your kite in the air..what a great job...you told me it only works..."if you run really fast Nana"...well I knew right there that this would be a Papa job. How come you never get tired Jaxson...and you love being outside. I am so happy about that...you even know what it's called..."being with Mother Nature"...it just rolls off your tongue. We are just walking along and you look up at me with those sweet blue eyes and glasses and say, "love Mother Nature Nana, don't you". Yes, Jaxson I do. Thanks for all the Mother Nature days and sightings. Here's some other outside events that you love.
Riding on the big boat in Maine...I think maybe this year you will be able to drive it...wow...big boy.
Just doing your thing, whatever it is, in the front yard. According to you a sunny day is great for an umbrella.
Playing a game with Liam outside on the deck in St. Maarten. I love how you love each other...that makes my heart sing.
"Here it comes Nana...can you hear the bell"
Waiting for the train to go into Boston...You and Liam love going to the Rose Kennedy parkway.
When no one else is around.. Gracie is called into service. Now that you are best friends, she loves going riding with you in your tractor...NOT...she goes but only up the road and back. She's such a good pal. Your outside adventures are many but there is one that really sticks out for me...and makes me roll with laughter..and by the way Jaxson, you and Liam make me laugh so much. Thank you for that.
Going to the Willows is what you like to do now...the beach for funning and playing in the sand and big trees to learn about tree climbing. I don't think Papa trust you just yet to get down by yourself but I bet next year you won't have a problem with that. You know what I like best, no matter what your doing, you always do it with a smile on your face...Oh, I almost forgot, you love the pizza and the ice cream at the Willows also..Your a smart boy about that popcorn..delicious..
Oh my gosh, this was so big...what you did this year. Just a few short weeks ago, you graduated from the red room. Next year you go to the blue room and you'll go to pre-school everyday. What a smart boy your are...I'm thinking your could have charmed your way there also..such a big smile..I know, your waving at Liam...you were pretty proud of yourself and wanted to share that...great job little Buddy...way to go.
At the end of the day Jaxson, you will grow. I can't stop it, but I wouldn't mind freezing you at 3. You have given Papa and I the best times this year. You make us laugh, you make us proud. We know your journey and you continue to amaze and bring joy and learning into our lives. If, in the next few years, as you go, try not to change to much. You have such a wonderful personality and you have never had a problem being just you. That is so much a part of your charm. Do you see that scary guy at the Mall...that was you just two days ago..and you had no problem believing that you were from Star Wars...keep that magic for as long as you can. Also, when things are "lame and boring", don't be afraid to speak out. Don't give in, you haven't yet, don't start now...And as you travel along the train tracks of life...keep looking outside, there is a great big world out there waiting for you, my Buddy. Keep on moving on. Lastly, at the end of the day, remember to have your cup of tea and a treat. Sit quietly and enjoy it. Resting is good. I hope you will always love tea, just like you do right now. I hope we have helped to teach you about great adventures, being with Mother Nature and sharing conversations. All those things will make your life so wonderful and full of joy, the same kind of wonderful that you have given to us these past four years...and sometimes...Jaxson, as you grow, remember to reflect on all your fun times. And whatever you do, just keep talking like you were born in the North End...even if you were born in downtown Boston...
Love you Little Buddy...bring on four...what are you going to teach me next...
Reader Comments (11)
What a precious letter Cheryl! Jaxson will treasure this forever, and all the wonderful memories you have captured.
Honestly, I think this is one of the most beautiful love letters I have ever read in my life. It touched all my emotions -- I laughed, I teared up, I was inspired, I was proud and so happy for all of you to have had that wonderful year together. And the images. They really are nothing short of spectacular. Jaxon is certainly a photogenic little kid but you have managed to get just the perfect shots to show his unique personality and to help remember the most special of times. I just oohed and aahed over each one. You and Jim are the world's champion grandparents and Jaxon and Liam know that now, but boy will they realize it even more in the future! Love you.
Ok my friend, where are the box of tissues...I agree with Sherry that this is the most beautiful love letter, filled with wonder, memories, love, compassion, and encouragement. You could sell these stories in a book. Liam and Jaxson are so very blessed to have you and Jim to guide them along, but you are blessed to have them to keep you young, and allow you to be open and share the wonders of this world. You're a real treasure Cheryl...xx
As I read your comments Sarah, Sherry and Beverly, I am sitting on a plane heading to Navajo Nation. It's been a long day and a busy week. I as have a long week, doing lots of work in the heat. It is challenging but I am happy to do it. As I read each of your comments I was touched by not only your words but your caring for me and my boys. You lift me up and make my world bright and sunny. If only there were more people like you what a wonderful world it would be. Thank you so much for your friendship. It's a gift.😘🙏🏻
What a wonderful keepsake for Jaxson! You captured all the meaningful moments beautifully! Enjoy all the moments ahead while you both build another year of memories. xoxo
Yes, I'm joining the bandwagon here in asking for that box of tissues. This is the most touching letter and all these images...each one more precious than the next! You are both so lucky to have each other. Four is going to be a fantastic year, I just know it!
Awwww, Cheryl, this post just melts my heart.
A truly beautiful gift to Jaxson on his birthday.
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Happy belated birthday Jaxson, I love your cowboy apron! Those grandkids sure have it made and look at Jim go....pretty darn good. They keep him young!
Thank you so much for sharing Jaxson's growing into the beautiful lad he is. Love, love the pictures of him. This one kinda filled my eyes with some kina liquid stuff.
Thanks to all of you for your visits and most appreciated comments. When Jaxson is all grown up and reads this, he to , will know what lovely people visited us on this blog.
Such a sweet post for this cute little grandson. I have said this before but I love his glasses. Lovely post Cheryl.