I started writing this back in December, before Finn's 5th birthday, in hopes that I could remember and capture all of the things I wanted to say to him, but here it is July 2013, and I'm just now getting around to finishing it. I know I've missed lots of highlights but I did my best. So there.
My Dear Finn,
My Dear Finn,
It's hard to believe that the day you have looked forward to for nearly 6 months has already come and gone in the blink of an eye. You are five. A big five year old. One whole hand of fingers as you like to say. I really can't believe it. I know I say that every year, but this time, I really mean it. I have to catch myself when someone asks me how old you are, because sometimes I want to say you are three, no four, how can it be, five? But five you are. You were so excited for this birthday because five is a really big deal--it means kindergarten, but I don't want to even thing about that yet. My heart can't take it. Right now I want to reflect on your fourth year and tell you once again how very much I love you.
Finn, you are such a special boy and not a day goes by that I don't thank God for making me your mama. You have taught me more about patience, joy, laughter, kindness and unconditional love than I ever thought possible. That's not to say that being your mom is a complete cakewalk . . . because it's not. You have your moments, just like we all do. You throw tantrums, have meltdowns in public, cop an attitude, and are an extremely difficult eater, but even with that, I am so thankful for you, your good days and even your bad ones too. It is a joy to watch you grow, learn new things, develop new friendships and relationships, explore, test your boundaries (and ours too). Even though you are beginning to assert your independence, you will always be my "baby." My favorite time with you remains the morning when you pad down the stairs, ever so softly, and haul yourself up into bed with me to snuggle, and of course, the evenings, when we read stories in bed. You have started saying your prayers before bedtime and it is so sweet to hear you pray for your friends and family. I hope that your faith in God will continue to develop as you grow older.
The first part of the year we devoted to many home projects and you were such a trooper in dealing with the mess, sawdust and a super distracted mommy and daddy. Lucky for us we had lots of friends and family willing to pitch in and help out--with you and the house. Four turned out to be the year of the super hero. You loved them all: Superman, Batman, Spiderman and even the bad ones like Darth Vader. You played dress up and involved everyone in your super hero games, even the dogs. There were times you insisted on wearing whatever costume you happened to be wearing out the door, whether it was to run an errand, go to the grocery store or even out to dinner.
So Finn, as your 4th year draws to a close and we look towards turning 5 I want you to always remember how much your mama and daddy love you. We are extremely proud of who you are and who you are becoming. Never lose your spark, your creativity, your curiosity, your kindness and your BIG heart.
Love, Mama
I put together this slide show to capture your 4th year. It does a much better job of
highlighting your 4th year than I have done.
Finn, you are such a special boy and not a day goes by that I don't thank God for making me your mama. You have taught me more about patience, joy, laughter, kindness and unconditional love than I ever thought possible. That's not to say that being your mom is a complete cakewalk . . . because it's not. You have your moments, just like we all do. You throw tantrums, have meltdowns in public, cop an attitude, and are an extremely difficult eater, but even with that, I am so thankful for you, your good days and even your bad ones too. It is a joy to watch you grow, learn new things, develop new friendships and relationships, explore, test your boundaries (and ours too). Even though you are beginning to assert your independence, you will always be my "baby." My favorite time with you remains the morning when you pad down the stairs, ever so softly, and haul yourself up into bed with me to snuggle, and of course, the evenings, when we read stories in bed. You have started saying your prayers before bedtime and it is so sweet to hear you pray for your friends and family. I hope that your faith in God will continue to develop as you grow older.
Four was a fun year. Santa kicked it off in style by bringing you an awesome swing set (which we managed to keep a surprise from you, even though they set it up in your backyard several days early). We were beginning to settle into our house and life on Sullivans Island.
The first part of the year we devoted to many home projects and you were such a trooper in dealing with the mess, sawdust and a super distracted mommy and daddy. Lucky for us we had lots of friends and family willing to pitch in and help out--with you and the house. Four turned out to be the year of the super hero. You loved them all: Superman, Batman, Spiderman and even the bad ones like Darth Vader. You played dress up and involved everyone in your super hero games, even the dogs. There were times you insisted on wearing whatever costume you happened to be wearing out the door, whether it was to run an errand, go to the grocery store or even out to dinner.
Eating dinner at Red's in full Vader attire
First part of 2012: renovation mess
Four is also the year you discovered Legos. Up until this point I couldn't really say that you were into one thing or another. Trains were just okay, you liked trucks okay too, but when you discovered Legos, it was all over. You would sit for hours and work on your original designs. Then you would come and present your building and have this elaborate story for what you built. Your creativity and imagination has really taken off. This is something that you definitely got from your daddy. The two of you can work for hours putting together these complicated sets and you are so proud when you finally complete one. Your dad definitely fuels the fire and buys you just about any set you want (which I sometimes have a hard time deciding if its more for you or him, because he enjoys them almost as much as you do.)
We went on a few road trips to visit friends and family and go to Summer's wedding, where you proved to be quite the show stealer on the dance floor. We spent lots of time on the beach and in the water. You have developed quite a little group of friends, and as the "big guys on campus" you rule the roost at preschool. You were lucky to have such great teachers at school. With a class of 9 boys they certainly had their hands full. But you all had a blast, learning with and from each other, both in the classroom and on all of the fun field trips we took.
Perhaps the most memorable event of your 4th year was adding Charlie to our family. She was born in August and we brought her home in October. A Lily she is not, but she is spunky, feisty and full of life, so much so that you can't help but love her. Kind of like you in a way. You two have high energy levels and are great playmates. I hope you will be friends for a long long time. It was such a great experience for you to see the puppies right after their birth and watch them grow for 8 weeks before we brought her home. You were a big help with Charlie, playing with her, giving her lots of love an attention and feeding her. You made it clear you were not on potty training duty.
So Finn, as your 4th year draws to a close and we look towards turning 5 I want you to always remember how much your mama and daddy love you. We are extremely proud of who you are and who you are becoming. Never lose your spark, your creativity, your curiosity, your kindness and your BIG heart.
Love, Mama
highlighting your 4th year than I have done.
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