I learned the whole "eyes are the windows to the soul," thing my junior year of high school and thought of that lesson as soon as I saw this picture. Not so far behind those big brown eyes is a soul full of magic. Through these windows I see a six year old who is much wiser than many adults. Not that you use your best judgement all the time, but you often surprise me with your comments and questions and my reaction is always the same ... "you're six, why do you know that?"
Not much has changed about you this year - you are just bigger and you do things BIGGER. You are curious and willing to try just about anything ... and you are so much braver than your mom. You try things by jumping in with two feet (except for vegetables) and a big smile -- and you kind of dare whatever it is to disappoint you. The thing that has stumped me this year is that you decided to take a break from Tae Kwon Do. After an initial love affair, it quickly fizzled into something that you needed to be talked into each week. I think you stopped liking it after school started because Kindergarten has A LOT of expectations of a six year old boy ... and Tae Kwon Do has A LOT of expectations of your behavior during class. And after a day of working so hard at school ... isn't a boy supposed to be able to play for a little bit?! I think so, too. Favorite playthings this year are soccer, swimming, football - especially tackle football, not flag football, and all other testosterone oozing boy things. Much to my delight there are a few other favorite things that are slightly less rough - gardening with Mr. G, and ART. You make paper creations each day while waiting in carpool. Even though they are usually fighter jets with guns and bombs ... or just guns and bombs themselves ... they are made so thoughtfully and carefully with great purpose. You have a big story to tell with all of them, and I look forward to seeing your face as you jump into the car so you can tell me what's behind each days destroyer. It's nice to see the engineer and the artist come together - your Grandpa, Aunt Kiki and Uncle Mark are all cheering, too.
You are so excited about reading right now. You really want to read and are doing lots of work to get better each day, but you are also frustrated that is isn't coming as easily as the sport of the week. Physical coordination has been so easy for you since day one ... learning written words may be the first thing that I've noticed you getting frustrated over. The good news is that you still love Thursdays at school - Library day. You also enthusiastically bring homework books in your school bag each week. Now, if we can just get you to sit still for a few minutes between getting home and bedtime to get the homework done we'd be golden!
You are an independent, fun, bold, full octane boy and I can only imagine what this year will bring. For better or worse, since you are the first, it is always an adventure with you. You help your dad and me figure out how to be better parents ... better people, really. Your brother and sister will likely never thank you, but your parents do. Happiest birthday wishes to the best - wrap your whole body around mine and squeeze - hugger in the whole world. And thank you for still kissing me on the lips in front of your friends. I love you, peanut. Keep those big browns open so my view tomorrow is as beautiful as it is today.
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