f. is five!

i don't really know how i got to be the mother of a five year old - but it has happened.

f-
this has been an insanely crazy year for you. you are such a great big brother *most of the time*. i know at times its a huge responsibility for you and i am so grateful that you mostly take it in stride. there are many days when i feel like i am barely treading water and could pull all my hair out in one fell swoop. but somehow you manage to say or do something that immediately brings a smile to my face and reminds me of why i wanted to be a mother in the first place. i am so lucky to have you in my life.





















recently, it occurred to me that not only does m. look just like you, and idolize you, but he is behaves just like you did at this age. today you were both running full force across the room screaming in glee; and as a bystander it is like watching you now, and you from almost 4 years ago, at the same time. it was totally unclear who was chasing who or where you were headed, but you were both having a great time. your zest for life is bottomless and contagious.

















you reached some pretty big milestones this year. you rode a school bus for the first time all by yourself, you have even started some basic reading and writing - which for me is such a rewarding thing to experience. you also love math - which makes me wonder if you are in fact my child! you still hesitate to try new things in a group setting - but almost always love whatever it is if you can get over that initial hump. today you started swim lessons and were so excited that they started on your actual birthday. you love to "play" karate (thanks kung fu panda!), soccer, golf and are getting pretty good at some board and card games that actually involve strategy. you have been known to beat pop at mastermind a time or two.





you have also mastered the ultimate skill of pushing mommies buttons this year. many a time i have considered going back to work only if i could take a job that involved travel - seven days a week!! its a good thing that you are so cute and that i have granny and pop close by to take you off my hands spend some time with you. even on those difficult days where i wonder why i ever wanted to be a mother and find myself curled in the fetal position on the couch bawling my eyes out because i cant take it anymore - i still find myself sneaking into your room before going to bed and tucking you in and giving you a big ole kiss.





















i hope that 5 is even better than 4!

love,
mom

***edited to say that today when you were asked what you got for your birthday you responded, "well, i got this penguin thing that gives everyone a headache!" its the joy with which you proclaimed this that is worrisome.