A letter to Henry on his 5th birthday

How is that on this day, five years ago at 2:48pm on a Wednesday,  you were born?  Five years.  I can’t wrap my mind around that but at the same time, it feels like you’ve been here for much longer than that as I don’t remember what life was like before you arrived.

 7 pounds and 10 ounces of the cutest little baby I have ever held

You love to learn, you're a little sponge!  You know how to write your first and last name, you know all kinds of colors and shapes and you’ve learned maybe a dozen (or more?) Scripture verses.  You also know the Pledge of Allegiance, the Pledge to the Christian Flag and the Pledge to the Bible.  All 3 of great importance and you say them with pride. 

You are still a pretty good sleeper, but only if the light is on and if you have your truck blanket.  You love that ratty, old thing.

 Your last picture as a 4 year old

You are incredibly silly and you think toots are hilarious. If you get caught tooting, you will do it again just to see if I’ll laugh the second time around.  You’re obnoxious like that.  You already appreciate slapstick comedy and think it's hilarious to "hurt" Daddy and you love watching America's Funniest Videos on tv or on the iPad. 

Playing in the snow - March 2015

You love to tell stories, and although we love hearing them, sometimes Daddy and I wonder where it’s going and when it’s going to end.  Yep, you talk a lot.  I’ve been blamed for passing this trait (guilty as charged) but your Daddy has been known to carry on a conversation with just about anyone so you were doomed from the get go.  I will say though, even random strangers at the grocery store or restaurants have complimented you on how well you speak.

If you're not too busy with your Legos or running around like a maniac, you're quite the little eater.  You love spicy foods from Kung Pao chicken to Mexican food.   The latter works in your favor as Mommy works for a Mexican restaurant - you quickly eat all the refried beans, tortillas and chips & salsa that your little belly can hold.

You’re still completely enamored by fire trucks and all things rescue from the first responders, to their gear, to their cars.  If you grew up to be a firefighter, I don’t think it would surprise anyone in the least.  We’ve made countless trips to the local fire stations and you still enjoy being hoisted up in the air so you can look out the back window when they head out on calls. You also love watching videos on YouTube of firetrucks leaving the station, responding to calls.

You're starting your second baseball season and I hope you love it as much now as you did in the fall (pictured below).  You have glasses now so we are hoping that helps with your precision and makes standing out in the outfield a little more enjoyable for you.  Yes, piles of dirt are entertaining to you, we get that.

 

You’re kind and I hope you always stay that way.  Your new thing is to tell me “Mommy, you look beautiful.”  I think your Daddy taught you that and I’m thankful for that sweetness.  Not just because you make me feel good when I’m cleaning house, no makeup, still in my pj’s at 2pm on a Saturday, but I know that will make a lucky lady feel very special someday.  Your sincerity is sweet and I hope you keep that. 

Over the past few months, you will randomly start conversations that begin with "When we have a brother or a sister or a little baby, I will...." Usually it's about how you will share your things or teach them new things.  More recently, you've asked if you could hold a new baby and play with him.  (I think that's an awesome idea!)

 

Daddy and I bought you a new Cars bike for your birthday and you've spent the last two nights driving it around the living room and kitchen.  After a near collision with Kiki and Lucy, you learned the importance of yielding to all pedestrians. Now you proudly proclaim "Look, I didn't run over the doggies!"  You were so proud to drive it to the end of the block, with your Daddy running even more proud alongside of you.  I love the bond the two of you have.

You love family dinner nights when your cousins come over.  The 4 of you have become the best little playmates and I know it makes your "girl cousin's" Mommy happy too.  You hold your own quite well amongst the girls, you keep them in line, well unless Livie has a snowball. :) 

You love to do things all by yourself but “Katy bar the door” if you don’t get it right the first time.  Your level of patience is just about non-existent, but Daddy and I are getting better at parenting you through that.  I think it’s because you’re a high-achiever at heart, but your brain and body aren’t quite there yet.  One of these days though, I know you will take the world by the reigns and you will accomplish many great things.  You just have to conquer building Legos first. 

 

The other night, Daddy and I were discussing that another year is about to come to a close.  We feel like we’ve survived a lot; from colic and acid reflux to the terrible twos (that started at 15 months) to registering you for kindergarten. (Do we have to?) Just when we think we have you figured out, you spice things up and keep life interesting. I guess you could say that you're a mix of salty and sweet.  You're all boy and  you are also caring and compassionate. I love that about you.

Happy 5th Birthday to our little buddy!  Mommy and Daddy love you to Heaven and back!