A letter to Henry on his 6th birthday

Every year I know it's coming and every year it amazes me that another has come and gone.  Henry, you're SIX today!  

I know every year I'm proud of you and I dote on you, but man, this year?  This year has been the best so far!  Five was met with it's own challenges - you started kindergarten and while you were thrilled to be there, you were so tired you didn't know if you were coming or going.  In a parent teacher conference, your teacher said you are "delightful."  I remember being taken a back by it when she said it, sure made me proud of you.  You're learning how to read and write, you've learned all kinds of things about history (you and Daddy are totally going to geek out together someday!), you've made new friends and you've found a love of cafeteria food (especially Ice Cream Wednesday).

 

You also became a big brother in May and my goodness, you more than exceeded our expectations on how you would do in that role.  You're always looking out for them, wanting them to join the fun.  Recently at Chick-fil-A, you did a little craft by yourself and came back to the table to show off your creation.  D got really excited and wanted one as well.  Without being asked, you took her by the hand and showed her the way.  I know you don't know anything about racial differences (and I pray you always live like that!!), but we saw more than one family smiling, watching you hold your sister's hand, so proud to help her.  You love her like Jesus loves us, unconditionally.  Ok, I'm crying now but you know I do that for happy reasons all the time. You have been a stellar big brother, loving a little brother and two little sisters as if they were your own.  If this is any glimpse into your adulthood, you're going to make me and your Daddy very proud.  

 

 When Big Sister joined our family, you were so proud to call her your sister.

When Baby Sister came in August, you asked if she was real and if we could keep her. 

You are still Lego obsessed and have become even more proficient with building.  Just this past weekend, you built an entire 400+ pc set all by yourself in a little over an hour.  You amaze us with your ability to create your own ideas or even follow the directions and build. Everyone says you get that from your Papa, but I was quite the Lego and K'Nex builder during my childhood, too. You enjoy baseball, swimming and driving your truck.  Oh and running through the house like a maniac.  You've tested gravity too many times for my liking, but thankfully you were a quick study in physics and learned that riding the laundry basket face first off the couch wasn't as fun as you thought it would be. 

Your sense of humor is hilarious and admittedly, I have to use a poker face with you on a daily basis.  You still think toilet humor is the best and easiest way to get a laugh, your Daddy is to blame for that.  He's taught you how to name call and I often catch myself giggling (because who doesn't think "monkey butt smeller" is funny?!). You told me the other day that "Jesus washed people's feet because they stepped in dirt, mud and camel poop."  Good insight and you're probably right about all of that.

  

Henry, Daddy and I are so proud to see you growing up into a little man.  You have a heart as big as your personality, will and determination that will take you far in life and a sense of humor to compensate when it's needed.  God bless you, kid.  We love you to Heaven and back!