Lincoln turns 4!! Once again I am shocked at how fast time flies. It has been a wild year for Lincoln. He is more rambunctious than ever and he sure has some sass. Many say to beware of the terrible twos but I think it’s more of the terrible threes. Lincoln has tested the boundaries, asserted his independence in every way possible and let’s not forget the big emotions. I don’t think I can remember how many tantrums were dealt with but it was way more than expected. Not to scare any new parents out there, but I wish I knew that three would be harder than two. So this is my warning. Although every child is different so you could have or have had the opposite situation. Either way this is toddlerhood and certainly not for the weak.
The tradition continues and we did Lincoln’s birthday photoshoot. I love to document this because the transformation is crazy. He looks the same but different and also different but the same. If that makes any sense. Haha.
We did use the same photographer. Her name is Carol Jayne if you’re in New Hampshire or surrounding areas. She is so easy to work with and delivers every time. I decided to do a car theme which is way out of my comfort zone. If you’ve seen previous birthday blog posts, I usually go for simple and neutral. Mainly because it’s classy and Lincoln can’t really negotiate on color scheme or theme ideas yet. I’m holding onto that power for a little bit because I know it will be difficult to get Lincoln excited for a birthday photoshoot. I feel like if we continue these, maybe by age 7-8 is when he will start negotiating what he would like for a theme and what he would like to wear. Now I know at the end of the day it’s my decision but also, I don’t want him to miserable at these photoshoots in the future or feel obligated to go along with my theme/color ideas to make me happy so I’m willing to negotiate. Key word, negotiate.
Even though I went a bit out of my comfort zone, it’s still super neutral and not a traditional car theme. I chose only blue for the primary color and Lincoln’s outfit is still pretty sophisticated with the color and black and white. I love seeing him in collared shirts and the checkered print ties perfectly with the banner.
So last year I mentioned how I struggled with outfits. Well this year I really struggled like we went last minute shopping the day of the shoot. I really don’t know what happened. My number one tip for any photoshoot for your kids is to have outfits picked out ahead of time. I get overwhelmed and stressed easily so I am so shocked that I procrastinated.
Here are a few photos with different outfits and backdrops. The flannel is something we bought the day of and I wasn’t going to include it because I did have a back up outfit which was the black t-shirt/denim already. But since I had it with me, it was a quick decision on just throwing it on for a few shots.
Speaking of traditions, new birthday decor has been put up sticking to the car theme. We also got him a chocolate cake which is different because last year we did chocolate chip cookies. I like that the birthday treat has been changed up a bit over the years so far.
This birthday post, I wanted to start something new. A letter to Lincoln. This blog is used to help others with my stories and a bit of advice but it’s also my own digital journal. I don’t know how interested Lincoln will be in checking out previous posts when he is older but these posts will forever be here if he wants to read them someday.
Dear Lincoln,
It is your 4th birthday and this past year has been the wildest, in the best way. You are headstrong, very smart and a bit stubborn. Even with all the chaos, I wouldn’t change a thing. I love to see you run and somersault wild and free even indoors. I love to hear your stories even at bedtime when you should be sleeping. And I love to see your spider man impression web slinging from the railing of the stair case even though I’m so afraid you could fall!! This year, potty training was a huge milestone for us. The first time we made it to the toilet in time, I shed a tear right away and you were so excited that you knew it was happy tears. In the first few months, it wasn’t easy but I think that’s why it was such a big accomplishment. It was just one of those big milestones that we took on together and made it through. This year we welcomed your cousin Bowie. You might deny this but you were a bit jealous upon his arrival. Anytime I would come back from work, I would always greet you first and then Bowie. Because I understand and I just want to make sure that you feel loved. I can’t believe it’s been 4 years already. I wish time would slow down but I’m so excited to see what this new year has in store for you. We will be starting school soon! I’m excited but nervous. I think you feel the same. We will see how it goes so far next birthday! We love you Lincoln!
Sincerely Salty Hair 