Five.

Hey, pal. Today’s your big day!! You’re five today! To you it’s another year, another number, another something new. You’re bigger, smarter, and better at lots of things. This five fits you pretty well.

Do you know that before you came along, I wasn’t a mommy? You’re the one that made me a mother, and being your mom is one of my favorite things in the world. Every year on this day, I think back to the day you were born. It took so long for you to get here! We were so anxious to meet you. Two and a half days after we went to the hospital, you entered the world. The most striking thing about your birth, to me, has always been how your little eyes were wide open the moment you were born. It’s an image I remember so vividly. And it means so much to me now, because those wide eyes were just a glimpse at what was to come. To this day, your eyes are still wide open to the world…seeing, perceiving, taking it in, experiencing.

Something I have really enjoyed about being your mom lately has been how well I know you…and yet how much there is still to learn (and how you can really surprise me!). It may not seem like much of anything, but I loved filling out your paperwork for school and knowing your favorite color (green!), your favorite food (pancakes!), your favorite things to do (run! climb! read! watch movies!). I love experiencing your childhood with you. I love watching you learn new things. It’s still a new day every day to you. I could learn a lot from that!!

At five, here’s a rundown of everything it’s like to be you.

• You are reading now! Your dad and I are amazed at your ability to read. You still love being read to, and two stories every night before bed is your routine. It won’t be long before you’re able to do that all by yourself!
• You eat constantly, but rarely at meals. And you’re still so skinny that you have a hard time keeping your pants up.
• You like being outside but have a hard time remembering to stay in our yard. You love to play with J and L across the alley.
• You sing. All.The.Time.
• You’re in preschool and have made a whole bunch of new friends this year. It sounds like you like to paint and cut and play, but you aren’t into writing all that much.
• I won’t tell anyone, but you still really like to snuggle. And I really like it that you prefer to snuggle with me instead of your dad!
• You delight in teaching your sister all sorts of things, good and naughty.
• You have a seriously intense personality.
• The things you say all the time: “How many bites of this do you want me to eat?” “I’m hungry!” “But that will take forever!”
• You had a really hard time deciding what kind of birthday party to have and what to be for Halloween.
• You know no strangers.
• You can get seriously annoyed with your dad and me when we sing.
• When you’re brushing your teeth, you like to let the toothbrush hang out of your mouth while you play with everything within reach on the bathroom counter.
• You like movies and TV shows…especially anything on Nick GAS.
• You’re freakishly smart.
• You still nap…and have a really hard time when you don’t.
• You’re finally going to bed without a fuss…and staying there all night long.

It’s been a fun five years. Your dad and I were talking last night that it’s going to be just a blink of an eye before you’re grown up and leaving the nest. And yet five years ago, you were just a helpless, wide-eyed little bundle.

Thanks for making me a mom, Bug. On to the next five!!

(PS: I actually wrote this at the end of my work day. I had the joy of picking you up at the sitter’s, then bringing you home to a stack of birthday presents. In my life, I need more of the pure joy you exuded as you ripped open your gifts. Each one seemingly better than the last, each prompting a happy squeal from you. Enjoy five, pal. Enjoy your joy. Enjoy your childhood.)