Six.

Dear Miles,

Six years ago today, your daddy and I held you in our arms for the very first time. In that moment, we learned what true love looks like and our lives were transformed. Since then, we've learned what true love really means — patience, understanding, joy, laughter, sorrow, and more patience.

Even though I've been counting down for weeks, this birthday seemed to have caught you off guard. It wasn't until two days ago that you realized it was your birthday week and then you couldn't stop talking about how you were going to be SIX. You repeated over and over and over again, "I cannot believe I'm going to be six. Six. Can you believe I'm going to be SIX?!" Had you actually wanted an answer, mine would have been "NO."

No. I cannot believe my baby is six.
No. I cannot believe you are officially a kindergartner.
No. I cannot believe you are 1/3 of the way to your 18th birthday.

Daddy and I decorated your door with streamers and balloons — because you thought it was "so cool" when we did it last year and "really" hoped we would do it again this year. We snuck a 2' tall Darth Vader into your room with a sign "Miles. It's Your Birthday." I'm happy I woke up with just enough time to catch a glimpse of your beautiful smile when you opened your door this morning. You were beaming with happiness. Had your sister and dad not been asleep, I'm certain you would have screamed "I'M SIX." Instead, you did a quick wave as you walked past our bedroom and hurried downstairs to watch Disney XD.

It seems like every day you are becoming more and more independent. You not only graduated from preschool, but you've moved on from Disney Jr. to non-cartoon tv shows. If you could watch Star Wars all day, you would. You've started to memorize the movies and could probably hold down a conversation with Chewy. I'm surprised you haven't asked for a daily countdown to the opening of the next move.

Today, I watched you with your friends and your sister. I tried so hard to write this letter in my head, but I couldn't. I'm still struggling for words (and your birthday is almost over!). It's always been difficult for me to find the right adjectives and verbs to describe you. But, I've learned:

You're funny, but not the class clown.
You're concerned, but not overprotective.
You're smart, but humble.
You're quiet, but full of life.
And you are oh, so witty.

Miles, you love with ALL of your heart and you have this amazing ability to make those around you feel special without trying. As you grow, I hope that your smile and laugh continue to fill the room because it's a gift that not everyone possesses. You are truly my sunshine, and a warm ray for so many around you.

Happy birthday, love bug. Little man, you may be a BIG boy, but you will forever be my baby.

Love,
Mommy