On the morning of Johnny’s 4th Birthday, Alli (our nanny for the last 6 1/2 years) said “Johnny, your zest for life is contagious”.  There couldn’t be a more true statement about our sweet Johnny boy.  

In Johnny’s world, everyday is “the best day ever” and every meal is “the best ever”.  He doesn’t go more than an hour without telling one of us how much he loves us.  Johnny is always the first to say thank you and express his genuine feelings of gratitude.  He is truly aware of others’ feelings and wants to make sure we’re happy, especially Charlotte, who is still his running favorite.  To him, everything is better when Charlotte’s around.  

Johnny’s favorite activity is hunting for grasshoppers, salamanders, voles, snakes, or worms.  He’s pretty dang good at it and is constantly urging me to hold one of his critters.  He gets a kick out of my facial expression as I say “no thank you“ and proceed to tell him how brave he is.  He then will usually put a hand on his hip and show me his game face which is the cutest thing ever – a slight pucker to his lips while keeping a stoic disposition.  I die over and over.

This summer Johnny was put to the challenge of riding his pedal bike (without training wheels).  Within a couple of days and with some guidance from Charlotte, he was pedaling like a champ.  Again, when he stops to hear the praise and adoration from us, he puts his hands on his hips and gives us his best game face.  He’s like a magnet for goodness and love.  Even Prissy feels it as she’s always the last one to leave his room at night.

Johnny started soccer at the end of summer and loves his first team sport.  After every goal he scores, he pauses to put his hands on his hips and give us his game face.  We’ve had to work through not getting upset when other kids make a goal, but he was quick to learn and happy to support his team.  

At school, Johnny is eager to learn and has started to write his name and work on math. He has a natural confidence with almost everything he does which makes it hard to correct him or suggest to put the letters in order.  He can count to 28 proudly but usually skips 13 and 14.  I can’t stand how adorable this is.  

In general, everyday with Johnny is like the best day ever for me too.  He makes life easier and brings so much joy to our family.  We’re grateful for this contagiously happy little boy.  When I grow up, I want to be Johnny.  Happy 4th birthday, sweet little man:)

Below are pictures from Johnny’s birthday party – Star Wars theme chosen by him.