Tuesday, February 1, 2011

The Birthdays

Kid and Boy are exactly 2 years and 3 days apart. The end of January is thus a time of moderate frenzy as we try to make 2 separate days special despite the close dates. Friday was Kid's 6th birthday. He is 6!! I, like all parents, am still in shock my firstborn is so big. He has his first loose tooth now too, which only makes him seem even bigger. Boy turned 4 on Monday and was very excited to "finally" have his birthday too. Watching Kid have his day first is agony for Boy because he knows his is so soon but just not quite yet. I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things about each of my little men, similar to the birthday letters I've seen on other blogs.

Kid:
You, my firstborn son are a delight to me. Every time you learn something new and unexpected I am amazed. You figure things out so quickly it is sometimes hard to keep up with you. Your brain is so filled with ideas and plans that sometimes you talk nonstop for hours(literally) if we can find the patience to listen. I promise to keep searching for more patience about that, because the hurt in your eyes when we ask you stop talking is so hard for me to bear. We love you so much, and your exuberance and love for new challenges fills our house with energy and joy and noise and pure awesome-ness. You love to choose things that are just a little above your current skill set, and then you are so proud when you master them. It helps me stay motivated to try new things, even when they intimidate me. I think your whole being must vibrate with energy of every kind 24/7, because you so rarely slow down. You even talk in your sleep. I hope we can help you maintain your enthusiasm for learning and for life as you age, because it really is a rare gift. Thanks for being our very own superhero, and the leader of our little gang of offspring.

Boy:
Your gentleness is my favorite trait. You are so sensitive and sweet and affectionate, even though you are a "big boy" now. It is nice that you still love snuggles and to be carried and held as though you really are still a baby. The smile you give when Daddy or I tell you "No matter how old you get, you'll always be our 'baby'" is so precious. You are a quieter, deeper thinker than Kid and it is a lot of fun to see what plans and ideas you hatch in your adorable little head. You love to go along with your big brother's games, but I know you have your own ideas too, and when you share them it is usually hilarious. Or disturbing. Or hilariously disturbing. You are a very early riser which I admit is a struggle for Daddy and I, but I think some of your best thoughts and conversations are when we make room in our foggy brains for your morning energy and just listen. You have a persistent streak like no one I have ever met. I promise to always do my best to channel that persistence in a healthy direction instead of squashing or demeaning it. It will be such an asset to you when you're a man, I just want to nurture it. You like your alone time and to play sometimes by yourself. You love being able to help take care of Baby, even now that she is big enough to be a nuisance sometimes. You don't always like change and you have no trouble letting us know it; Mommy is like that too, so I try to be understanding. You are our very own Wonderboy and I am so glad God made you the way He did.

Our boys have been such crazy little blessings. Bob and I are in awe of them and their zest for life. May God always give us the strength to parent them well, and teach them to love freely and well.

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