Sunday, April 28, 2013

"I'm 5 Daddy, do I look different?"

These are the words that wakened me at about 4:30 this morning.  Through the fog of sleep, I listened to Simon and Daddy discuss the details of his turning 5 today.


Yes, Simon, you are 5, and you do look different.  You are a big boy, most definitely not a baby.  Part of me is glad...no more diaper bags or strollers or staying right beside you at the park or the swimming pool.  We have certainly reached a "less hands-on" phase of parenting in those respects.  Part of me, though, gets a little misty-eyed as I think that I will never fit you in my arms completely...oh, you'll try to fit in my arms, but there are legs and arms hanging off my lap.  I don't mind, but I do miss fitting that little baby all snug in my arms.

You bring our family so many laughs, sweet Simon.  You are so funny.  I have anxiety as I think about the things you will get in trouble for when you start school this fall.  I only hope your teacher has a sense of humor the size of Texas!!  I console myself with the fact that I had the same anxieties about your mentor and older brother, Ezra, and he hasn't been expelled yet.

You LOVE to cuddle.  I think you would spend entire days cuddling if any of us would let you.  Daddy says that when it is just the two of you at home, he kneels on the floor of his study to pray and you crawl all over him for almost an hour...just loving on him.  Our family loves this...you are a gift to us.

You are a GREAT dancer and singer.  Daddy and I often look at each other with a look that says, "Is he really doing that???" as you dance and make up songs.  I can't wait to see what God does with these gifts he has placed inside of you.

I don't know what our family would do without you, Simon.  You are the perfect littlest brother.  You are loving and kind, while at the same time feisty and hilarious.

Happy birthday, Simon!!!!  YOU are 5 and you look different!!!!