We are 4. Everyone, meet Bobby.

In Spanish when asking the question, "How many are in your family?", the verb ser is used to answer the question. It means, to be. Somos cuatro. Translated: We are four. I have been trying to decide why I like this better than the way we say it in English, "There are four in my family." Somos, just feels more inclusive, complete, like no one is being left out. Using the verb "to be" is so much more powerful; I think the Latins have a greater understanding of family. They say, "In total we are 10. That includes crazy Aunt Maria who's hair is a wacky shade of violet, and Uncle Julio who passionately collects dander, pollen, and dust." They never exclude anyone for being ratty, mangy, weird, stinky, or unusual, and in our family, neither do we. In the Nuzman family, somos cuatro. We are 4. (This is not, by the way, a pregnancy announcement.)

Allow me to introduce you to the fourth member of our family, Bobby. He was a gift from Gunnar's Aunt Kori when he was born; however, it has been within the last year and a half that Bobby has really become one of us. Bobby wakes when Gunnar awakes and he slumbers when Gunnar sleeps. He is a part of breakfast, tv time, painting, and he also participates when we play with play dough. He goes to pre-school, park days, and all the parties to which we are invited.

Bobby paints with Gunnar; he doesn't stay in the lines either.

Bobby loves his toonies and snacks as much as his buddy, Gunnar.

Bobby not only is a good friend and family member, he is also a protector from the noise and light that could interrupt a good sleep. (Notice the ratty edge.)

Bobby keeps Gunnar company at all times, even when sitting on the curb in the street.

Bobby attends church like the rest of us, and all other church affiliated activities. (He escorted Gunnar to the Trunk or Treat last night.) When Gunnar rides his bike, Bobby is shoved tenderly into the basket. When Gunnar plays in the backyard, Bobby is draped over his shoulder. (With one corner always dragging on the ground.) When we are outside drawing with sidewalk chalk, Gunnar lovingly prods Bobby into joining us, "Chalk, Bobby, Chalk." Bobby joins us for all of our family outings: dinners, ball games, reunions, shopping days, the zoo, the OC fair, he even comes with us to Disneyland; he is quite the traveler, and the great thing about him: he never talks back, pops off, or gives me any grief.

Yes, we are 4. While packing the bag for my boy I must also remember to round up Bobby. I have to keep my eye on him while we are out as well, because unfortunately we don't have a spare, and naps and bedtime are impossible without him. (Believe me, I have substituted replacements, look-a-like blankets, that would pass a once over by a NASA scientist, but Gunnar can sense an imposter immediately.) Bobby is losing some of his strands; we have to cut off a new string each day, sometimes two. He does have a few stains that the washer refuses to remove, and sometimes he does have a slight odor, but he's Bobby; he's one of us, and we love him, and in a true family no one is excluded for being short a few strands. ;)

I can't tell who has the bigger smile, Gunnar or Bobby. (This was in his early days; now he is a slight off-blue color.)

Bobby enjoys playing on the grass, or being used as a shawl. He's just happy to be utilized. (He really does serve several purposes.)

Bobby was even there when we welcomed Geen Bug to our family as well. (Who, by the way, has passed away. R.I.P. Geen Bug.) Scroll down the page to see another priceless pic of Bobby with Green Bug, and one of him slung over his shoulder while parading on his dad's shoulders.

Until there are no strands left to love, Bobby will be one of us. We are 4.