For months, you've been waiting for today. You've been counting down the days until your fifth birthday — asking over and over again "is today my birthday?!" And, until this morning, we had to watch you digest our answer with disappointment. Baby boy, today you are FIVE. Which, in my estimation, is a lot closer to your teen years than I'm ready to be.
Daddy and I decorated your door with streamers and balloons. I was determined to make a big deal out of your birthday this year. You slept in after a long drive back from Michigan, so daddy and I didn't see your face when you were greeted with the surprise. But, the smile on your face as you turned the corner in the kitchen said it all. It screamed, "I AM FIVE."
Everyone warned me that your baby and toddler years would whiz by in warp speed. They were right. You are growing up so, so fast. I look at you and you have morphed into a little man. Full of wonder, excitement, smiles, love, and questions — lots and lots of questions. You're constantly trying to figure out how something works, or why something happens. After many discussions (and questions), you have decided that it rains because God is having a water gun fight. Forget science.
There are many times that I stop in my tracks and just watch you and daddy. You follow him around eager to learn and he's just as eager to teach. This year, you changed the car oil with him for the first time. You crawled under the car and listened to his instructions. I sat there in amazement that when he asked you to grab a wrench, you knew pulled it straight out of the tool box without questioning your selection — and you were right! With each passing step in the process, your grin grew. It wasn't long after that the door flew open and you were yelling "Mommy, I did it. I did it. I helped daddy change the oil. It's all done."
You are a source of so many of my smiles and my laughter, even on the most gloomiest of days. I am blessed to be your mama, and so very privileged to have the opportunity to watch you become a little man. With every passing minute, you are changing and learning — and because of this, I am too. You love unconditionally and remind me constantly that life is better because of you.
My favorite part about being your mama is watching the relationship you and Melina have blossom. There's teasing, hitting, yelling and fighting, but there's an amazing love between the two of you. When you're hurt, she comes running. When she realizes you're awake, she rushing to give you a good morning hug and kiss. Oh, and when you jump, she jumps — so, could you do me one favor and stop jumping off the couch or table. Please?!
As much as I'd love to make each day of your existence sound as magical as unicorns leaping through a meadow, we do have our moments. You have a little bit of Irish attitude and a dash of Italian temper (and a shirt to prove it). You're also showing signs of having your Papa Riordan's wit as well — the jury's still out as to whether or not this is a good or bad thing. Thanks to you, daddy and I have learned how to telepathically communicate so we can remind the other not to burst into laughter... because "it's not funny."
Little man, your big blue eyes have been getting lots of attention. People are constantly telling me that they are going to break a lot of hearts when you're older. Older? For all 1,826 days of your life, those eyes have stolen my heart. It could burst when you run up and wrap your arms around me and tell me you love me. Each hug. Each kiss. Every bedtime snuggle. I cherish. You truly are my sunshine.
Happy birthday, love bug. You are FIVE.
Love, Mommy
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