How can you be four already?

Carter, today is your 4th birthday! Daddy and I can hardly believe that four whole years have passed so quickly since you were born. These four years have been some of the best of our lives, as we first embarked on the journey of parenthood with you, our firstborn. We waited a long time for you, and we prayed fervently for you even before you were conceived. You have brought so much joy into our lives, and we love the way you are such a sweet big brother to your three little sisters. We are so very proud of you, and we pray that God will continue to mold and shape your little heart, so that you may become the man that He would have you to be. I selfishly pray the next four years don't pass by as quickly as the first four. I pray too, that I will never stand in the way of God's plans for your life. I pray that He will continue what He has begun in you. I pray that He will use your little life to bring Him much glory. Carter Stokes O'Dell, Mommy, Daddy, Summer, Tilly, and Story love you so very much. How is it that you can be four already?

I mean, didn't we just bring you home from the hospital?

And didn't you just get your first bath at home?

Or wake up smiling and melt our hearts?

Or get ready for your first Halloween?

Or pose with daddy on your baby dedication day?

And didn't we just celebrate your first birthday?

Or watch you wheel and deal like an agent?

Or laugh when you would rather play in the diaper box than with your toys?

And didn't we just bring home your first baby sister from the hospital?

Or take our family of four to the Heiskell School fall festival?

Or spend the summer splashing in the pool at Papa and Gigi's in Arkansas?

And it seems like yesterday we were hunting Easter eggs with our friends at church.

Weren't we just celebrating your third birthday at school?

And didn't you just help us bring home your second baby sister?

And was it not that long ago that we celebrated Easter as a family of five?

Or that we went to the beach in Florida with your grandparents?

And wasn't it just yesterday that we were getting you and Summer ready for your first day of school?

And wasn't it just the other day we took our new family of five to the Heiskell School fall festival?

And didn't we just take our family of five to yet another Heiskell School fall festival when Story was still a secret just for us?

Or that you were playing on the playground at school with your friends?

And didn't we just meet Mama, T, and the Hollands at the Mall of Ga to play?

And wasn't it just the other day that we took you to the ER on Easter Sunday with your first broken bone?

Wasn't it just the other day that you helped us welcome your third baby sister into our home?

Or finish your second year of preschool at Heiskell?

Or celebrate your special day with your friends? How can you be four already? You are growing up way too fast! We treasure each moment, each event, each milestone with you, Carter. We love you to the moon and back!