Six

Six years ago I became a mom because of one fabulous little boy named Liam. And while it was most definitely love at first sight, that love continues to grow in leaps and bounds each year that you are around. Each year becomes my favorite, more than the one previous and I am eager to see what the coming year brings because we have told you for ages (about various things): “Oh, you can do that when you are six.” Six is the magical year when THINGS happen.

But let’s take a quick look back at five… starting with going to school! Oh my you were excited about that. The first week of school you were already asking me why you couldn’t go every day and you declared that your teacher had the sweetest voice in the world.

Though you loved Mrs. Anderson, you still held that Keila was your girlfriend and you guys have continued to be best buds, though you don’t get to see each other as often as you used to when you were in daycare together.

But you did get to play soccer together – your first foray into organized sports… after the season was done you said that you’d like to join a bowling team so perhaps soccer isn’t your thing for now. Lately you’ve been asking about karate so I think that’s the direction will head for your next “thing.”

You were my ever-present cheerleader in working out, either down in our basement mini-gym or out in the neighborhood walking. You always tell me I’m getting skinnier, or a less-favored, “You’re just a little bit fat.”

We explored our beautiful city many times and you are always excited to see new things and wonder about the things we’ve looked at in the past. I love that our city gives us the opportunity to bring some culture into the lives of you and your brother and allows us to do fun things almost any weekend we choose.

It is my goal to ensure that you and your brother end up friends as adults, preferably best friends but I know that might be pushing it. I would have loved to have a sibling that was my age when I was growing up (though I don’t fault my parents for NOT having another child at 42+) and I am so glad you have each other.

While you have your stubborn, angry moments (don’t we all?), you are genuinely a joy to be around. You are laid back, easy-to-please and full of conversation (so many words are just waiting in your brain to come out at any given moment).

I cherish the special times we got to have together on our after school dates… and I look forward to more of those when school starts back up, I’ve missed that time with you, even when you had nothing you wanted to say about school (“Mom, just stop asking me questions…”).

I’m thrilled you got to travel to Australia and will remember all the experiences we had there – most especially the time you got to spend with Grandma Dorothy.

You were the bravest boy for your little belly button surgery and we are as excited as you are to have a brand new belly button that no longer randomly bleeds… nice to get that fixed after having it since birth, a last remnant of baby/toddler-hood!

The day finally arrived when you fell in love with Legos and discovered the joy of making your own creations.

I will never cease to be proud of you for your creativity. Or, your perseverance in continuing to work on things that cause you grief (I always knew you could figure out how to swing for yourself).

You have made me a mother but you’ve also made me a better person.

Daddy and I love you (and Jack) so very much! Happy birthday, snicklefritz! You are six, let the things happen!