Orion turns 4

3-years-old is one of my favorite ages and this past year did not disappoint. Your excitement, curiosity, and passion for life came shining through. You are amazingly bright and inquisitive.

Life is an adventure to you. You have given me a fresh perspective in life when I look at the world through your eyes. You love to laugh and you have the best laugh I have ever heard. I tickle you just to hear it. It is one of my guilty pleasure.

 

At times you are fearless. You trust your mom and I so deeply, that you won't hesitate to try something new if we are there to encourage you. You have mastered the rock climbing walls (thanks to your mom) and look for any opportunity to climb something, just because it is there. You are strong for your age...you always have been. While you could easily use your strength to hurt your friends, your brother, or our pets, you choose to be gentle, kind, and caring instead.

  You love anything that flies; rockets, jets, planes, and helicopters. The airport is always a treat for you. You yell in excitement whenever we drive by in the car, or pass by on our bikes. You are the first to hear and spot a plane or helicopter when one flies over. Every toy you have, you give the ability to fly. Its one of my favorite things about you. You never tire of asking about things that fly, and I never tire of telling you about them.

  You want to be involved in everything that goes on around you. You are the best helper. You vacuum all on your own, help with the dishes, laundry, picking up your toys, and even help me work on the cars or our bikes. Its never a chore to you. You just want to a part of the team.

  I love how social you are. You love your friends and value them. On occasion you are shy with new adults, but will always engage them when they talk to you.

You love to wrestle, run, and act wild. You are all boy at heart and you like to play hard. Still, on long walks or hikes, you want to sit on top of my shoulders. When I get hot and sweaty, you affectionately tell me that I am "melting" while you wipe the sweat from my shaved head.

  Orion, you represent all the things that are good in this world. You add so much to our family. You are balance, light, and warmth. You are a light in the dark, a breath of fresh air, a warm breeze on a sunny spring day.  You are our tropical beach baby and hate the cold (a kid after my own heart). You love to snuggle and tell me regularly, "dada, I want to hold you."

  Your smile brightens even my darkest day. When you look at me or when I hold you, I know that I am loved. I am proud to be your father.
Happy 4th Birthday Orion!! I love you!