A letter on your 6th birthday.

February 8, 2016

Today, is your 6^th birthday.  Although, technically you won’t really be 6 for another hour and a half…you were born late.  I am amazed that so much time has passed us by, so quickly.  My once “baby”, then “toddler”, is now all boy.  You are such a sweet and fun boy, and truly my whole heart.  I’m not sure there is anything I am more proud of in my life.  I am most baffled, still, about so many things at this age….to name a few….

• ·      How did you ever get to be so handsome?  Some days I look at you and wonder, how did we ever get so lucky…and boy are we in trouble with you in a few years.  We have to teach you how not to break every girls heart.
• ·      Will your hair always be the same style because of that enormous (and cute) cow lick?  I caught you in the bathroom last week trying to comb it down with gel.  I tried to explain that it was just part of you, and mommy could never find any hair gel that would hold it down.  I told you there were so many young men who would love to have that hair!  I hope you learn to love it.  Even my barbershop ties can’t change that gift.
• ·      How did you ever learn to say please and thank you, and for the most part use your manners and be kind, and respectful?  You are honestly a well mannered little boy, I’m pretty proud of this.
• ·      When did you grow to 4 ft tall (almost!).
• ·      How do kids learn to be so sneaky? 
• ·      When will you lose your first tooth?  Still waiting.  Still brushing, some nights against your will.
• ·      When will you EAT?  Oh, the battles!!  How is it possible I have a skinny kid?
• ·      You have learned to read, in what seems like a few weeks.  Literally, over night.  We have gone from Mommy reading you several books, to you reading to Mommy and then me reading you a book.  You want to start chapter books, and you ask to follow along.  You can even read some ridiculously long words, things that truly baffle me.  I’m proud of you, and so excited to teach you even more and involve you in all the adventures of reading.
• ·      You are obsessed with numbers.  Everything is about this plus this or this minus that.  God help us when you start on division.
• ·      You LOVE fuzzy blankets, fuzzy pants, fuzzy pillows and fuzzy anything.  Fleece should have been your middle name.  You still have a beloved blue blanket, which I try to preserve, and will save for you.  You never found comfort in a thumb or pacifier, yet you still find comfort in being wrapped up in a good warm blanket.  I love this about you, and will continue to feed this habit well into your older years I'm sure.
• ·      You still want to learn how to play a piano.  Lessons are in your future, and I am hopeful that you will be ready for them.  I never took them, so I don’t’ know what to expect, but I’ll be there to encourage you every step of the way.
• ·      The love of an iPad.  It’s a bit obsessive.
• ·      You have matured into a great swimmer, and we are looking forward to another season of swim team.  You are truly a fish.
• ·      Games….you have really started to love all kinds of games.  Board games, dice games, the Wii, games on the iPad, any kind of game, and you are…well, game.  But you like to make up your own rules, and you will cheat if given a chance.  Is it “only” children that hate to lose or do all kids hate it?  In any event, you got your Dad’s competitive streak. 
• ·      You love your grandparents.  Your Nanny and Grandad are the world to you, in your eyes they hold the key to all that is good in the world.  Eggs with chips for breakfast, bubble gum, no rules and endless love.  Your Grandpa Hutch and Grandma Sherry, they are the key to your outdoor adventures and you love them so much.  You are a very very lucky little man, growing up around those who love you so. I am still sad that you won't know your Daddy's parents, but you have angels in heaven watching over you.
• ·      You still love a good bubble bath.  Showers are only for being in a hurry. 
• ·      You will still hold my hand. 
• ·      You still want to be carried around, as if you were 3.  Oh, if only….
• ·      You still love to sleep with Mommy, or with Daddy, when the opportunity presents itself.  You are still a snuggle bug, and will stick to us like glue throughout the night.
• ·      You have started to do chores to help around the house and you receive an allowance.  The power of money is strong, and confusing.  You have really yet to figure out how to save, but you know the value of a “budget”. 
• ·      Turns out you are a snow kid.  You have progressed with sledding down our new hill at the new house this winter.  You started out with a saucer, so you could drag your feet.  You have a fast sled now, and a double.  Now, if we can just get you some better boots next year so you don’t lose them in the snow so much!  You also experienced snow shoeing with Grandpa Hutch, and you were a trooper!  I think we need to get you on some skis next!
• ·      You still love to travel with Mommy whenever you can.  You love to see your friends in Arizona and your family.  You have held onto those memories, and relationships…and I’m so proud and incredibly blessed that you will be able to continue to travel with me at times.  You may grow up in the safety net of a lovely small town, but I am still determined to show you the world son.

You are absolutely the most loving little man I could have ever asked for.  I sit with you every morning, still holding you in my lap, snuggling you and imploring myself to remember and memorize all of these moments and details.  Remember to kiss you, and remember the way your hair smells.  Remember the way you just fit into my lap all curled up and snuggled into me.  I implore myself to hold you and kiss you and reassure you that you will always, and forever, be my baby boy.   I know that someday, this too will come to an end and you will grow even bigger into a boy that does not need his Mom in the same way.  I’ll always be here for you, whether it’s to hold you in my lap or hold you in my heart.  I’ll always have your back against my heart, physically or not.  

I love you back and to the moon, plus one more, forever more.

Mommy