Jon's Fourth Birthday Letter to Zephyr

Dear Zephyr,

You've grown so much this year. You do so many big guy things all by yourself. You used to be happy going along with whatever project I was working on. Now sometimes you will work on your own project nearby. I still need to remind you though that worker guys need water breaks and snacks. I am proud of your independence, but part of me wants to keep you as my little guy forever. Forgive me if I have a hard time letting you change.

Thank you for all your help on the greenhouse this spring. You are very proud of it and often say how much you like the greenhouse. You have learned how to choose ripe berries and pick them gently. You alert me to ants and bugs. We have fun in there together.

You have started making up words. Learning to spell has ignited some word creativity in you. You are combining words and creating new ones to use as nick-names, secret code words, and song lyrics. It is a lot of fun to hear you sing the songs you make up.

One thing that has been hard for me lately is the level and frequency of discipline you require now. Before when you had bad behavior it was usually because you were hungry or tired or over-stimulated. Now you do things that you know you shouldn't anytime and for no obvious reason. I know as you grow up you will have bursts of kundalini that need to go somewhere. I hope together we can learn how to do this in a healthy way.

Mommy told me that you said "Dada is fun". That statement still makes me smile every time I think about it. I wonder how long you will think I am fun.

You and Jubilee have such a beautiful love for each other. She wants to do what ever you are doing. You have taught her to build with blocks and then smash up your creations. You have showed her how to play drums and use tools. Sometimes you are too rough with her, but she laughs and squeals. You are lucky to have each other.

Zephyr, you are brave and strong like a mountain lion.

Happy Birthday Buddy!

Love,

Dada