You are 5 now...

My firstborn turned 5 this weekend. It's absolutely crazy. The past 5 years have taken us through 3 different states, and so many adventures, but parenthood has been the best adventure of all.

Timothy,

You have gone from a sweet adorable baby that I never wanted to leave, to this big boy that I still don't.

You're now a big brother twice over, and such a good one. You have your moments of "oldest child syndrome," but you're learning to let Andrew have his own voice too. I'm sure you will help him learn to allow the same for Nathan.

Both of your brothers adore you. Nathan's eyes will follow you more than any other person, and Andrew usually wants to do or have the same as you, even if it's not what you want. =) But you are a great helper to both your brothers. You help Andrew brush his teeth every night, and just the other day, when I got out of the shower, I found you comforting Nathan who had awoken and was crying.

I love your imagination and enthusiasm for everything. You have a sweet sensitivity that I pray you never lose. I you will always remember that tears are okay sometimes, and that you will never forget to show love to those around you. Your hugs every morning are the best way to wake up, even when I don't want to get up yet. =)

Next week I will be waking you up as you head for Kindergarten. Kindergarten! You'll be gone all day, and I think I'm more nervous than you are. You haven't been away from me for that long since you were a baby and I had to leave you to go to work. I know you'll do fine though. You are so excited to meet your new friends, to see what new things you will learn, you don't have room to be nervous. That's okay. That's how it should be. =)

For your birthday this year, we agreed to have friends and throw a party outside the family. You'd been planning it for months, as each of your friends turned 5, and had so many ideas. You did settle on a Captain America cake, since he's your current favorite super hero. I think the cake turned out pretty well.

Sadly, the rain kind of interfered with our plans for a pool party, but our friends the Stones who had been gracious enough to invite us to use their pool, also opened their home and we had fun inside also. There was some swimming by the hardy souls, so I think everyone was happy.

Even though you love Captain America, you still want to be a firefighter. Captain America was a long time ago, firefighters are now. Although, since you found out that you can get paid to set off fireworks, there may be a secondary career aspiration in the works. =) 

Then there's your ongoing Star Wars obsession. I think I'm okay with that one too. =)

Timothy, my wish for you this year is that you will grow and learn as much as you can. Not just as school, but everywhere. Don't leave your learning at the door. I pray that I can continue to teach you as well. I have so much that I want you to learn, but mostly I want to help you grow in the Lord. He will guide you throughout your life, especially when your father and I can't be there. Listen to that still small voice, and you'll be okay. He loves you more than we ever can. 

I love you Timothy David.

"I'll love you forever

I'll like you for always

As long as I'm living

My baby you'll be"