He is 4 today!

I guess the common thing for parents is that when we look at others' kids, they seem to grow so fast! And looking at our own kids, we can't help but wonder when will they grow up... However, year after year, when birthdays come, time seems to have condensed and it feels like we have just celebrated their birthdays like last month!  Hubby says that he can remember Ivan's birth vividly like it just happened yesterday.  And today, he turns 4!

4-year old Ivan is quite an character.  He clearly has his own personality and his own way of logic, which does not necessary make sense at all for "common" folks like us! =.="  He likes to talk and sing and boy, can he talks! His vocabulary has increased by leaps and bounds since he started school and is increasing everyday. He still maintains his sweet nature and happy-go-lucky attitude, everybody is his friend, so when some of his classmates are mean to either him or others, he will talk about them like it's the most hideous crime in the world, and pass the verdict that "(so-and-so) är inte snäll!" ("[so-and-so] is not nice!") He has also gained himself 2 admirers in school.  A 5-year old named Mira who kind of "adopted" Ivan since he started school.  She plays with him, gives him a ride on the tricycle, pushes him on the swing and helps to keep a lookout for Ivan, which is really sweet! ^.^  Another girl is the same age as Ivan, named Amy.  Sometimes she'll go to school all grumpy but her face always lights up when she sees Ivan.  Both of them likes to hold hands while out playing, sitting in their small cozy corner somewhere - talking.  Even when they're playing in a bigger groups, Ivan and Amy will still hold hands (wonder who started holding whose hand first...?) or go to a corner where they will sit side by side and talk, sing or just laugh about silly things which only 4-year olds will understand...  Even the teachers think that they look really sweet together!

Last year he was into trains.  This year his interest in Lego has deepened and he really likes to bicycle as well.  Some days it seems like all he does in school is cycling and playing on the slide.... >.<"  The 2 persons whom he really looked up to are daddy and Jovan.  He is always trying to imitate the way daddy or Jovan talk, how they teach Chris, how Jovan complains about Angel (which we're discouraging!) and he even wants to have the same kind of shoes, hat, clothing as Jovan!  He must think that they're the coolest guys in this world!  Hence it is very important for us to emphasis to Jovan that a lot of what he say and do, will influence how Ivan behaves. Thankfully, Jovan has always been a sensible boy (oh well, he has his days as well!) and has in fact been a very good example to his younger siblings.

Now, picture time! ^.^

I always make egg tarts on Ivan's birthday because he likes it... but this year, he didn't even have 1..... :(

Birthday boy was happy to blow out the candles while the baby brother looks on in amazement! :D

Presents time!  This year both farmor (grandma) and farfar (grandpa) came to celebrate his birthday.

Mummy and daddy bought him a helium balloon in the shape of a helicopter.  Both Ivan and Chris are quite crazy about balloons!

Farmor bought him this baby laptop, which even attracted the interest of the older kids!

Ivan opening Angel's present, under the watchful eyes of the older sister.... =.="

Handmade card from Angel which reads,"Congrats Ivan.  Hope you have a good day.  Hug and kiss Angel". 

This is Angel's present to Ivan.  A bracelet which she made herself, cool! Other then these, Ivan also received a box of Lego (of course!) and a parking house with cars and helicopter from farfar.

Jovan's card reads,"Congrats Ivan on your birthday.  CONGRATS"

Eh.... this is the inside of Jovan's card.  Not sure if this is boys' humour.... :D

Ivan has been requesting for a bicycle for a long time, so it was a no-brainer to get him a bicycle for his birthday and not forgetting helmet as well!  He is one happy guy today! ^.^

Chris is happy to play with Ivan's presents and running after Ivan while he swished by on his bicycle! 

And of course, he needed to take a break from all the cycling to swing a little...

Today was the perfect sunny autumn weather! Just the right kind of weather for a happy birthday boy!

Mummy and daddy hope that you will always keep your positive attitude and sweet nature. The journey of growing up is long and sometimes frustrating and scary, we want you to always remember that we will be with you every little step of the way.  Sometimes right beside you holding your hand, sometimes monitoring from a distance but always there.

Happy 4th birthday sweet heart!