Peyton is FOUR! What He can teach us!

Our first born is FOUR!  I truly can't believe it!  It has been a whirlwind of a year for Peyton.  I love reflecting over the year & hope one day to put these blog entries into a book for my boys.   There are many things Peyton has taught us over the years & continues to teach us as he grows & we grow.
1. Determination!  Peyton suffered a broken femur on September 3rd last year & had to be put in a full-body cast.  He showed so much determination, with such a high set-backs (back in diapers, unable to walk two weeks post-cast, etc).  Peyton truly taught me not to give up!

September 2013

2. Patience! Whew - has Peyton taught both Jonathan & I tons of patience.  We are both middle children - "peace-makers," "let's please those around us,"& Peyton is NOT!  Peyton is our strong-willed child who pushes every limit.  We have had to learn the importance of consistency & continue try to teach Peyton patience, as he is also teaching it to us.

Thanksgiving 2013

3. Pure JOY - Peyton lives in the moment & finds joy in whatever he is doing - whether that's playing, singing the "clean up song" as he helps clean up (sometimes after several reminders), talking to himself on the potty.  :)  His pure happiness reminds me to find JOY in all I say & do!

Peyton & Derby  February 2014 

4. Love of Learning - Peyton LOVES school - as the summer drew to an end & I had to return to work, his words, "YES - now I can go back to school!!!"  He loves to tell me what he's learning. He loves that I'm a teacher.  He loves his teacher, Miss Jill.  I am thankful for his love for school & thirst for knowledge.  (As I was anxious about returning to work, Peyton's enthusiam encouraged me that he did love "school" & his sitter.)

Easter 2013: One of my favorite pictures!

5. Confidence - Peyton is confident!  He is sure of himself & not afraid to try new things!  He's not afraid to meet new friends (at the park, swimming pool, Wal-Mart, anywhere)!  He asked me the other day, "Mama - am I a teenager?"  I assured him he was not (Although he already wants to be one).  What a wonderful reminder - let us be confident in who God has created us to be.  I pray Peyton always has confidence.  

May 2013: Peyton confident he's catching a shark! 

Jonathan & I thank God for blessing us with Peyton Baker Barlow!  He has already taught us so much in four short years & I pray for many more wonderful years with this sweet boy!  May we always be open to learning from our children.