You are five years old! You are a whole handful literally as well as figuratively. I can't even get my head around it. It feels impossible that it has been five years since we brought you home from the hospital. But I truly can't imagine what our life would be without you. You may take after me in stature, but your personality is gigantic. You definitely think you are older than you are and want to be one of the big kids. I joke and call you my little teenager. You are tough, and you always say what is on your mind. You are not one for compromise, but we are working on that. You have a great sense of humor and just like a typical five year old, many of your jokes involve potty words.
You are still a Momma's boy. You still like me to lay with you at night. I read books to you, scratch your back and talk to you about your day. If you had a day where you misbehaved and got in trouble you will say to me, I can't wait to wake up and see you smiling at me Mommy. I will be a good boy tomorrow. And if I ever get up and tell you I'll be right back, I better come right back. You will not fall asleep while you are waiting. You are a night owl for sure. You don't go to sleep early, making it tough on your early rising mom! I am pretty sure I fall asleep earlier than you most nights.
That smile! No one has a smile like you. Mischief and charm all rolled into that one grin. You clearly believe you are in charge. Usually we are scared to argue with you....
You tell me, Mommy. You are so beautiful. And you always want to give me just one more hug and kiss, and it absolutely melts my heart... My little ladies' man.
Over this past year, we have taken trips to the beach, Deep Creek Lake, Turks and Caicos (you have already started packing for our next trip there in April), and Disney World. You still love dressing up and spent the whole day in character, Jack "Zach" Sparrow, after being made over as a pirate in the Pirate League.
This year you are in your last year of preschool three days a week. You are lucky to have your buddy Grayson in your class. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we hang out with Stella, go on adventures with Nana and Grayson, or just stay in our pjs all day. In a few months, I will take you to Kindergarten registration. I joke that I am ready, but I'm not. I am going to miss you so much. I'm going to miss playing legos and doing puzzles, watching movies, going to Wegmans, walking around Hunt Valley with Gabe and Stella, and taking you and Grayson (my grumpy old men) to Kiddie Crusoe, Chick-Fil-A, Five Below and Five Guys. I'm even going to miss arguing with you about what we each consider too much time on the Ipad. But I think Kindergarten is going to be good for you. I think in many ways you are ready. And although you are not one to sit for long amounts of time, you are a quick learner and have a bright mind. You will do well, I believe in you.
Everyday you challenge me, drive me a little crazy, and make me laugh. I hope you always see me as beautiful, because I know when you look in my eyes and say I'm beautiful you aren't talking about my physical appearance. You see the love in my eyes, and that is what makes me beautiful to you. There is nothing in the world more beautiful than the love a mom has for their child. It is all encompassing and forever. I will always love you. You will always be my baby boy.
Momma
