Six!

Eli,

First of all, I just want to say that this is the first year that I've ever not had this post ready to publish at 11:53am on your birthday.  That should tell you how busy we are nowadays and how fast this year has flown by!

We started a new birthday tradition sort of impulsively last night by talking about all of the fun things we did while you were 5.  We talked about going to Disney World and starting Kindergarten... Making new friends and becoming a star goalie. 

You have grown so much in the last year!  This time last year you had just started Pre-K and now you are amazing us in Kindergarten.  You are learning to read and write, do math and so much more.  But more importantly you are learning to be a good person and a good friend, even to those who may not be all that nice to you.  You were bit by another student this past week and you told me that you told her she could still be your friend as long as she didn't bite you again.  You also came home one day and told me that you and Maggie from Pre-K are in love :)

You loved playing baseball this past spring and you are loving soccer again this fall.  You have become the star goalie and play much more than you sit.  Unlike last year when your team lost almost every game this year your team is 5-0-2, you've even scored 4 goals!  I love watching you play because it's easy to see how much you enjoy it.

One of the teachers at your school told me that she's never seen a child smile as much as you do and it's so true!  Overall you are a very happy boy and you love everyone you meet!  I am so blessed to be your Mommy and I love watching you grow.  I am so looking forward to seeing you continue to grow this year!!

Love,
Mommy

Eight

Happy Birthday my sweet boy! 

8.... 8.... it just seems like such a big number.  I was thinking the other day and realized you would be going into 3rd grade this coming school year!  Just like always the days leading up to your birthday have been hard.  Thinking of who you would be and what you would be interested in.  All the what ifs we've lived with every single day since you left us. 

Eli talks about you all the time and tells people about you almost everywhere we are.  Sometimes it's hard because we have to explain the situation but it's so nice to see his love for you. 

So much has changed for us this year and I'm pretty sure this next year will be no different.  I know you watch over us and I feel your presence in so many ways.  A few weeks ago Eli and Emily were playing in the pool in the backyard and this butterfly flew up and all around us for quite some time.  It just really felt like you were there, wanting to play with your little brother and sister. 

I love you Logan and I look forward to the day I will hold you again in Heaven!  Please watch over us, especially Daddy in the coming months.  We are likely going to need to feel you close.

Love always,
Mommy

Three!

Oh my sweet girl!  It is so very hard for me to understand how you got to 3 so quickly!  Your life has passed in a flash for me, even though I remember several hard, never-ending days in there.

We celebrated your birthday very early this year because of Daddy's work schedule and our big trip to Disney World.  We are at Animal Kingdom today and if you are half as excited as you have been in the days leading up to this trip I know it will be a magical day.  For your birthday we did a Sheriff Callie theme and you were so excited you talked about it for weeks and have still been talking about it.  While we were setting up you nearly had me in tears because every few minutes you would look around and then come up to me and say "Thank you for my Sheriff Callie birthday!".  Knowing that I played any part in making that look come on your face is something I absolutely cherish.

You have the very sweetest heart and constantly say "I love you" and kiss me.  And you give the biggest and best hugs ever, squeezing with all of your might.

You love you Daddy and your brother SO SO much.  And the cats.  The love you have for both Penny and Ginger is amazing to watch.

You are such a big girl and like to do things by yourself and for the most part, when you put your mind to something you get it done.

You are about 38 in. tall, 34 lbs. wear a size 3T and a size 9 shoe.  You love girly things like makeup and dresses and finger nail polish but you also love to play with your brother's cars and planes.

I honestly cannot believe this is your last full year in daycare.  Next Christmas will be the last one before you start preschool.  It breaks my heart to know you are growing up so fast but I am loving every minute of watching you become your own little person.

At your eye doctor appointment this week someone asked you your name and for the first time, you weren't shy, you piped right up, "Emowee Gooden".  Just one more small way you're growing up and not needing me anymore.  But I'll always be here little girl!  You may not need me often, but whenever you do, I'm here.

I love you so, so much and I hope you are having the most amazing birthday ever.

Love,
Mama