Finishing The Race: FFF: 4 Year Old Enoch

Here is a quick update on Enoch. It is hard to believe that he is already 4!!! Hugh and I both so enjoy this little guy, and we are so thankful to see the ways he is growing, developing, and changing. We enjoy the stories he tells, the music he makes, and the excitement he displays. As I look back at the past year, here are some things I want to remember about this stage:

Potty training is finally going well. In fact, Enoch is almost always in big boy underwear these days, unless we go on a long car trip or he is sleeping in bed. (Though I should say that accidents do still happen for us, and I keep an extra pair of pants in the car, just in case!)

Discipline is still an on-going thing for Enoch, but it is much less common than it was during his 2nd and 3rd years. It is very easy for Hugh and I to discern if we have his heart or if he is in a rebellious funk. With the former, he is just the cutest little helper and such a joy to be around. With the latter, his rebellion is evident through his words and deeds and continues to be a controlling factor until we deal with it.

Playing- Some of Enoch's favorite things to do these days include: playing with machines in the dirt, throwing a ball, shopping for groceries in his kitchen, building with blocks, creating music, reading books with Mama or Daddy, listening to music or audio books on CD, going for walks outside, and playing in the sink or tub. He still does a good job playing independently, and I typically give him 2 or 3 chances per day to do that. We have recently begun playing some games (simple ones from Chick Fil A or physical games like chase), which he really enjoys.

Physical- Enoch has grown a few inches in height over the past year and slimmed down quite a bit. He can now jump easily, do a flip in the grass, ride a balance bike (he is at least learning this), kick a ball, and carry big things. He loves helping bring Karis' walker to her or putting the box of plastic kitchen play food up on top of his kitchen.

Helping with laundry

Music- I feel like this needs its own category now because Enoch is so interested in music. He especially appreciates live music (though he does NOT like people in a large crowd clapping... it still freaks him out, so that's a bit of a hindrance to him getting to see many performances). He listens mostly to Christian music (old hymns, contemporary songs, and Bible verses put to music) but he also enjoys classical, country, and marching band styles. Hugh recently moved his music stuff to the garage (so that it doesn't wake up any napping sisters), so Enoch is able to create music more freely now, and he often brings a harmonica or recorder along on walks or on the way to the car.

Eating- I think Enoch eats a bit less than he did when he was 3. At any given meal, he eats a bit less than I do, though if the food is extra delicious, he can certainly put away two full size plates of it. ;) He generally eats anything we put in front of him, though he prefers to not eat potatoes (unless mashed with gravy) or beets. He also really appreciates foods made by our international friends (Indian, Bangladeshi, Iranian, Chinese, and Cameroonian). I do still try to give him a glass of milk with his 3 main meals per day, and then he typically drinks water with his snack(s).

reading to Karis

Siblings- Overall Enoch has grown closer to his sisters over the past year. I think this is especially true for Karis. When we drop Karis off for therapy or school, Enoch is always with me, and he often says something like this:

Enoch: "Mama, where's Karis?"
Me: "She is at therapy right now."
Enoch: "Oh... well I really miss her... Can we go back and get her now?"
Me: "No, but we will pick her up after (whatever our next activity is, like shopping)."
Enoch: "Okay... that's fine, but I sure do miss her."

And sometimes when Enoch and I eat lunch without Karis (she is at school), he will pray, "and Father, please keep Karis safe while she is away from Mama." Isn't that sweet? It does my heart good to see him growing in his affections for his sister. He also loves Alaythia, and is *sometimes* real gentle with her, but I expect that some of that may change when she moves out of the baby stage.

holding his newborn

Resources-

This book by Lach ("Can You Hear It?) is one of Enoch's favorites and really got him interested in classical music (it comes with a CD). I would highly recommend it!
Fighter Verses This is a great way to be memorizing scripture with your kids. It is through Desiring God ministries and each week, there is a new verse with a song that is word for word from the ESV Bible. We love listening to the new song each week, and then after a year of songs, they typically make all the music available on a CD, which we then pop in the car for an easy review session. :)
The Verse Project is a great complement to the fighter verses.

Other Photos-