Fearsome Four

E is now in the middle of his fourth year, and deep into asserting his independence. Which he does by yelling, demanding, hitting, and generally throwing a fit whenever someone looks at him the wrong way. {Maddening!} 

As I teach him patience by practicing patience, I'm trying to focus on the positives of this stage in his childhood. 

He's incredibly imaginative. He spends hours a day pretending to be a Tyrannosaurus Rex, his hands tucked close to his body like little claws, stomping around while balancing on the balls of his feet, and roaring at his baby brother. 

He loves to sing. {We try not to laugh as he belts out songs by Michelle Branch or Sheryl Crow while sitting on the toilet.} 

He builds elaborate train layouts and can occupy himself for hours with a handful of matchbox cars. 

He's old enough to dress himself {though he prefers to wear his pants backwards} and young enough to want to be cuddled after a bath. 

He loves hockey and likes to be 'checked' against the glass door to the patio.

He's loud and frustrating and sweet. And he's my little boy.

PS Thanks for all the fire ant advice! Baby L is still a bit itchy, but healing well.