Michael Five

I can't even address how quickly the time flies by these days...for the second week in a row, I find myself wondering where the days are going?  And are we using them as well as we could?  Last night, I wrote Michael's birthday letter and then Liam's.  One downside of having birthdays (and children) that are close together is that you run the risk of being repetitive.  I tried my best to look at my sons as individuals but they have alot in common these days.  I am hoping I captured a little snapshot of each of them as they are right now.

June 21, 2011

Dearest Michael,

Today is the Summer Solstice.  Just over a week ago, you turned 5.  It's hard to imagine that in this short time you've gone from being our one and only little man to being our oldest child and a big brother x2.  You've got your Daddy's skin tone and your green/blue hazel eyes are hard to miss.

At five you are:
*a lover of the outdoors-biking, swimming, a little baseball or hockey
*as squawkey as ever (said with love)
*once again willing to try new foods- finally
*eager to try new things & discover new places
*motivated to be the leader
*still into books, learning to recognize some words
*into Cars (as in Disney), matchbox cars and oh yes most cars/trucks
*quick to catch on
*able to remember EVERYTHING (not always convenient for your parents)
*very good at writing your name and rather good at drawing

I'm certain you are ready for the adventure that is Kindergarten.  You are ready to be a true student and you have a zest for learning.  You are curious and imaginative.  Daddy and I have struggled with choosing the right school for you- a debate between public school versus Catholic school.  At this point, I think we are settled on the local public school and are feeling good about our choice.  I think we will know right away if we have chosen well.

You still struggle with not letting your emotions get the best of you but you are growing in that area for sure.  Hopefully we can continue to work with you on managing your frustrations--and in that process, manage our own!

Sharing issues aside, you are a fantastic big brother- still the first to cheer for your younger siblings when they succeed or learn something new.  Liam is your best playmate-and oh is he going to miss you come September.  Chloe challenges you because she too is a bit of a "squeaky wheel" but the two of you have a particular understanding of each other.

You challenge me and Daddy every day and that's a good thing.  While I often find myself frustrated that I can't always figure you out, you are teaching me so much.

I've been thinking about saving this or a similar letter for you to read (hard copy, not just blog)- maybe in 5 or 10 years?  What would I want you to know?

I want you to know that you are loved not only by Daddy and me and Chloe and Liam...but by our family and friends.  You are so much fun to be around and other kids recognize that.  You are so sociable and outgoing.  I hope you keep your natural, friendly way.  Your creativity never fails to amaze me and you dream just like I do- vivid, realistic.  And you need to talk about your dreams when you wake.  Please don't ever stop talking to us about your dreams, good or not so good.

I hope you always know that we are 100% behind you no matter what.  I hope you continue to grow, learn and explore- and that you have fun doing it! Let life be a joy, now and always.

You sparkle every day my love.

Happy 5!!

Love,
Mommy

PS:  I didn't forget- you're the one who made mommy a mommy!