Almost 4

Each year as Liam's birthday approaches I find myself reflecting on the time of his birth and the weeks following. In five days my sweet little man will be 4. This year he finally understands and for weeks now has been saying daily, 

"Mommy, it birfday amost."
"Yes Liam. It's almost your birthday. How old will you be?"
"I free."
You're three now but how old will you be on your birthday?"
"Fie!" This is said with a cheeky little grin because he knows but he likes to play.
"Not five yet, how old will you be?"
"Four!"

And each time we walk up the stairs, we are counting as we go, and when we hit four Liam never fails to shout out, 

"I four! It birfday amost!"
"It's almost Liam's birthday. What do you want for your birthday?"
"My presents. Chocolate!"

And my heart rejoices because he walks. He talks. And he is funny. He is happy. He prays. He sings. He is just so perfectly, wonderfully Liam. He fits into our family so well. We wouldn't change a thing. Not a moment of those dark months after he was born, not any little part of what makes Liam, Liam.  He is so loved and he loves so well.