And then he was five

So, it appears that the only thing that can make me come back to this (poorly neglected) blog is my Bear’s birthday. Tomorrow, my son turns five. To say that it blows my mind that five years ago today I was in labor with my first-born son is an enormous understatement. The time went in a blink. Next week, Bear starts kindergarten. Tonight, he starts playing soccer. There are so many firsts right now, my mama heart can barely stand it. So, here we go:

Dear Bear,

Tomorrow, you are a WHOLE hand old. Or, as you keep saying, “a real big boy.” And, you are. You are so smart, so independent, so kind to your little brother and the funniest kid I ever know. I always tease Daddy that you’re just like him, but the truth is, you’re YOU. But, you have you’re Daddy’s ability to make me laugh, even when I’m trying to be serious.

You are the most rough-and-tumble boy I’ve ever met, but can be ridiculously sweet. You're going through a mommy-phase right now and I am clinging to it, as you've been all daddy's for the past 3 years. You don’t like anything that is even remotely “for girls.” You love superheroes and action shows. You love marshmallows and cheese puffs. You loved being in camp this summer, which gives me high hopes for how well you’ll do in kindergarten.

In honor of your 5th birthday, you had a Pirate Party. I chose the theme,  but you went right along with it. Thanks to a hurricane that was due to hit our home on the day of your party, at the very last minute, we rescheduled it for 1 day earlier. The look on your face when you came down the stairs Saturday morning and saw the house all decorated for your party was worth the lost minutes of sleep for Mommy and Daddy Friday night. 

Kids dressed up in bandannas, hats, eye patches, swords and then got tattooed.

You couldn’t stop telling me the next day, “I loved my pirate party. I love all my presents.” You may ask for an awful lot, but you are grateful for what you get.

The cutest pirate

Pirates attack Bear's Pop Pop

My sister always makes my boys' cakes. This year's pirate ship was the BEST.

Yesterday, we had a lazy day on the couch while everyone recuperated from the hurricane. I couldn’t help but squeeze you and ask, “Do you know how much I love you?” You said, “like something really big.” You sure know your mom! And then you said, “Mommy, I love you bigger than the highest number.” And my heart was full.

I love you, Bear. Happy birthday my big boy.