Dear Knox, On Your Fourth Birthday

My Dearest Frederick Malgas

Oh sorry, is that confusing?  In case you’re looking back at this twenty years from now and can’t remember, that’s your other name.  Apparently.  Although why your father started calling you that, I will never know.  And as you like to remind me all the time, I don’t know everything.

But here’s what I do know…

I know that when you woke up bright and early on your fourth birthday (after crawling into bed with us in the middle of the night), you woke me up my sticking your fingers into my ears.  And then when I sang happy birthday to you and told you that you were now FOUR, you replied with, “Are you serwious?  Are you joking wid me?” And when I said that I was not and it really was your birthday, you spent the rest of the day telling every single person that you met that you are now FOUR!

I know that you have been blessed with not only your fathers distinct features, but also his dance moves.  No matter what your mood, the weather or even the song.  If its got a beat, you’ll be dancing to it!  You can’t resist.  And your moves are easily the best I’ve ever seen, although I may be biased.  Recently you decided to display your moves at Kyla’s barn dance and Daddy turned it into this…  You know we’ll be bringing this out at your 21st 😉

Knox has moves! ?? pic.twitter.com/sweUZh3JVj

— Snap: cindyalfino (@CindyAlfino) September 17, 2016

I know that you have a quick wit and sense of humour that rivals many adults that I have come into contact with over the years.  You know how to see the funny side of things.  Always ready with a giggle or a joke, you are often the life of the party.  Although, when I think about it, I’m not sure if it’s your humour or your dance moves that makes it this way.

I know that although your sisters often upset you by not doing exactly what you want to do, when you want to do it, you are quick to forgive them.  Well most of the time.

I know that sometimes you are misunderstood by your friends and even though I speak fluent Knox, I often get confused too.  And although you get rather frustrated with all of us, I love hearing how you explain it.  “Cwouds – you know, dose white tings in da tie!”

I know that while you may really enjoy playing with your sisters, you could spend hours playing on your own.  With all your superhero figurines or with your new Paw Patrol toys.  Either way, you are quite content to delve into the imaginary World that you have created for that afternoon.  I love your imagination – it’s as wild as it is surprising.   Hearing the stories of your day is an adventure without even leaving the house.  I wonder if that boy still lives in the boot of our car and eats stray socks for lunch?

But more than that…

I know that four years ago we decided to try and bring you into the World on my birthday (by inducing you).  You were keen and so we share a birthday.

I know that it’s possibly the best thing that I could ever share with my only son.

I know that when you reach up your arms and wrap them around my neck while shouting, “Huggy!” I melt a little inside.

I know that when you crawl into our bed in the middle of the night and rest your hand on my face while you drift off to sleep, I wish that I could freeze that moment forever.

I know that you’ve stolen my heart and that I will forever love you.

xo