8!

Wow! I can't believe you are 8 years old now.  I remember the day you were born and so many other moments throughout these 8 years like they were yesterday.  Last night we laid in your bed and snuggled for the last time as a 7 year old and we talked about the things we'd done while you were 7.  It's one of my favorite traditions.

You have really grown into such a great little guy.  You love reading and school but you also like being on school breaks too.  You like Pokemon, Star Wars, dinosaurs and beyblades.  You would watch the Jurassic Park/World movies on repeat 24/7 if we'd let you but the second Harry Potter movie was "too creepy".  You love pizza and chicken nuggets and Cook Out.  You love soccer and basketball and TROY football.  You have made so many new friends in the past year and you were elected to the SGA this year.

This year you will complete 2nd grade, receive your First Reconciliation and First Communion and perform with the big Summer Spotlight group.  You will probably make more friends and continue to shine at school and in soccer and maybe you'll even score a few points in basketball.

We've been planning your birthday surprise for about a year and a half now and I honestly can't believe we've managed to keep it a secret.  First thing this morning you said "Don't YOU have a present for me?"  Even though I knew it was coming, it still broke my heart just a little that I couldn't hand you something.  I told you that your present will be here tomorrow and you said "Okay, just tell me what it is."  I couldn't just tell you buddy.  I hope that tomorrow morning you agree that it was worth waiting for and I hope it's as big a surprise as we are expecting for you.

I love you more than you'll ever know,

Mommy

A Decade

A decade.  Ten whole years. Two whole hands.

I can’t believe it’s been so long since I first looked at your tiny body, your little fingers and toes. Your teeny ears.

More than ever I’ve been wondering who you would be. What would it be like to have bunk beds in Eli’s room with you on the top bunk? What would 4th grade have been like?  Who would your teacher have been? What would we be getting you for your birthday?

Ten years seems like such a long time.  Everything in my life is so different now then that day you were born.  It seems like a different life.  And yet I have flashbacks that make it feel like I’m right back in those moments.

I love you so much sweet boy.  I was able to get some beautiful flowers for you and we’ve got something new for your spot.  But I really wish I was spending that money on some great toy that would put a big smile on your face.

-Mommy

5!

Oh my sweet princess, I truly can't wrap my brain around the fact that my baby is 5! You are such a beautiful girl inside and out although you do have a stubborn and dramatic side too :)

This year you started Pre-K and you have made so many new friends.  And boy are you learning fast!  A few weeks ago you brought me a book and said "Mama, does that say Mat?"  And sure enough it did.  Since then you've been reading us stories and telling everyone who will listen that you can read.

You played soccer in the fall and loved every minute of it and you are learning more and more in gymnastics every week.  Even though you often socialize more than practicing cartwheels.

You are such a girly girl.  You love pink and purple, bows, dresses, getting your nails done, high heels and your kitties and doll, Little Emily.  Little Emily has to go with us everywhere, you even bought her a car seat with some of your Christmas money.   You don't like not getting your way but we're working on that :)

I love you so much and am looking forward to this next year.  You will be going to summer camp, summer spotlight and then starting kindergarten and I know you are looking forward to every moment.

-Mama