Happy Sixth

Your first kick: my first joy in motherhood. Your first breath: the first time I lost mine. Your first word: the first time I heard my name. Your first laugh: the first time my heart snuggled that giggle for safe keeping. Your first everythings will always be mine too. My first baby you’ll always be. You’re my happiest of happys, baby boy.The way you love Chubberlubber, Chub-Chub, Smooch-pooch (all nicknames you like to call her). Pink is still your favorite — which makes me happy that you’re innocently unaware of stereotypes. You’d rather listen to classical or jazz instead of the radio. Identifying individual instruments within composition is your jam (and so is Peter and the Wolf). Olives still rank high as one of your favorite foods. Soccer and shooting hoops all the days (and at times you choose the teams, play both sides, and ask me to cast my vote in rooting team). “Spicy” drinks (soda) and lemonade never lose. Your fiercely competitive nature. How you aim to break your own limits and outgrow your inabilities. How sensitive and in tune you are to spiritual things. Your hungry appetite and willingness to eat anything without complaint. How you light up when you sing. You’re not one to turn down a black licorice jellybean. Your strong desire to do good… always. And when you fall short, your sincerest remorse in realizing your mistakes. Your compassionate heart that focuses on others needs above your own. How you stop everything when you see me cry. Your keen intellect. How we take turns writing each other love notes. How you laugh the most with B. It’s a Small World and Thunder Mountain are your favorite rides; and waving to the characters in the parade is a close second. How you worry when it storms (especially cracking thunder). I can count on you to remember everything, even when I don’t. Goals motivate you. Golf over anything else. You wouldn’t be able to name a single ninja turtle but you’d be able to list your top ten favorite golf pros. How my kisses haven’t lost their magical touch to lessen pain. You’re not afraid to try difficult things because we believe you in and you believe in yourself. Your love for numbers — counting and collecting coins, tracking daily temperatures, and telling time to name a few. Oh and you taught yourself to tell time. That goes without saying, punctuality is important to you (you stress over missing a flight more than most adults) ha! How you still call us, Mama and Dada (exaggerating both syllables). You walk with enthusiasm — never a tip toe to be heard. You ask questions — lots and lots of questions… always wanting to know how and why and what’s next. If a question is followed by your stating my name (Can you put my soccer ball by my shoes, so I remember to bring it, Mama?) it gets noted as being an “exceptionally” important question! haha! Blueberry pancakes, cinnamon suckers, and mint chocolate chip ice-cream make you smile. How you pray profoundly, thoughtfully, and faithfully. The clever and roundabout way you ask for things: It looks like a beautiful day for golf (can you take us?), I wonder what your yogurt tastes like (can I taste yours?), Did you notice I set the table (can you make a big deal? perhaps even reward me?), do you remember when the loser gets to choose lunch after bowling (even if we don’t bowl, can we go out to lunch today?), etc. Your patience and self control. You’re careful to avoid things and situations that may dim your light. You’re the best little boy we could wish or hope or dream of having. We’re lucky in love to call you ours. Happy Birthday, sweet little love.