Blake's four year old poem:
Blake, my little guy
Fun, rough, tough, bright eyed
My tousle-haired little friend
Four years old now - amen
No more diapers - can we possibly be through?
Yes we are, thanks to you
Blake -
Though the youngest in the family
You provide so much life
With your funny stories,
Creative songwriting
And your little-boy ways
Rife with personality
and congeniality
And loads of best-buddy-ness
You're a friendly chap
Although at times, perhaps
A bit wary - like when we go to your class
At church - and though there might
be a best friend or even a cute little lass
waiting inside the door
Well, you still tend to look at the floor
With a quivering pout
And a deep desire to get out
Of this situation - yet you'll go in
Eventually any way
And have a great time - lots of fun, great play
You're funny that way
You have some great friends - Donald and Caleb
And - it seems strange
To hear you say "Dad, can I go to Joey's?" -
"What - like cross the street? By yourself?"
But you are growing up - though it can seem
that just yesterday you were a baby
No longer
Each day you grow stronger and smarter and older
more adventurous and bolder
You love to throw things, and you've got quite an arm
Still a southpaw
Soon you'll be playing soccer - we can't wait
To cheer you on as you run the field at a rapid rate
kicking that ball pointed (basically) toward the goal
I'm sure you'll play with lots of heart and soul
You're our family nomad
I'm glad it doesn't make you so mad
To share a room with Bethany - although your toddler bed
Has seen its better days -
Yes, I've uttered the phrase
"I wonder where Blake will end up tonight?"
Many times
you see, foxes have holes
and birds have nests
But this son of mine has no where to lay his
sweet little head -
Although, on a bet I could guess where you're
sleepy little feet will be led
At 2 in the morning - without much warning
We'll find Blake in our bed
Snuggled up with his mama
And all is right with the world
You love your buds - yes, time with the boys
doing boy stuff - playing rough with your toys
Is always in your top tier
Of favorite things to do - but this year
You've had your attentions turned
on occasion, to the deep blue eyes
and soft curls of some of the little sirens
populating your playday world
Yes, you were smitten indeed by Simmaree
And for a long time (nearly a week or two)
She was a major topic of conversation with you
There was so much to do - plan the wedding
shine your shoes,
the big day was approaching
Then you realized - the proposal! You had fordot to ask her!
In any event, good thing, what a relief
Because Bebeccah showed up - a pretty little thief
to steal your heart away - well, what can we say?
May this area of your life remain as simple when your older
As it is now
Happy Birthday my beloved little Blake
God has blessed us beyond blessing with the gift of you
And my prayer is that as you go through this year
To you, more and more, it will be made clear
Who God is and what He has done
And I pray that your paths He will steer
And may he bless you still more and more
As you travel the fun road of four
For He loves you so much - even more than I
And my love for you reaches to the sky
So just imagine how deep is God's love for His little Blake
Whether you're sleeping sweetly, or rowdy and awake
He's watching over you, and smiling I'm sure
At your fun ways, at your heart so pure
Because that's the kind of Father He is
May He bless you to your shoes
Even if they're on the wrong feet
And make each one of your days
A simple treat
Of fun and growth, full of joy
Happy Birthday, my wonderful, beloved four year old boy
I love you
Daddy
January 20th, 2002