Happy Birthday to my FIVE year old

Ryan: Mom I'm so happy I'm going to be five.

Me: Why are you so happy?

Ryan: because I can hold my whole hand up

Me: I know Bubs that is so exciting.

Ryan:  I know it'll be much easier when people ask me how old I am because I won't have to worry about puttin any fingers down.

 My first baby boy is FIVE years old today.  I love Ryan so much.  He has always been such a lover...and a fighter.  He tested our patience so many times as a toddler and helped us understand that there isn't just one way to parent.  He has grown so much over the last five years.  He is such a sweet, sweet boy.  He loves to give hugs and kisses and can just melt into you while sitting in your lap.  He's so funny and so smart.  He looks at things so differently than I do and I'm so thankful for his perspective.  The last five years with this child have been the absolute best of my life.  He keeps me on my toes and makes me strive to be the best parent I can be.  We wouldn't be as good of a family without him.  He makes us all so happy.

Last night before he got in bed I asked if I could give him one more hug while he was just a four year old.  He ask why and I told him that tomorrow he would be a FIVE year old.  He said, "you can cry tomorrow if you want to Momma."  I always tease them that I'm going to cry because they are getting so big.  Truth is that it does make me cry.  I look back at pictures of the last five years and I'd go back in a heartbeat.  I'd do it all over again just to spend five more years with him.  We love you Ryan Gregory.  We pray for you daily and can't wait to see what this next year has in store for you!