Today you are Five

Dear Ben,

Today you are Five! Fabulous, marvelous, hold up one hand five! Here's why I love you at five:

1) Your enthusiasm is contagious. I will often say that you "are nothing if not enthusiastic". Sometimes your zeal and persistence overwhelms me. We decided on a knight theme for your birthday party and within 48 hours we had to head to the toy store and get the costume you would wear to greet your guests (either that or you would drive me into the ground convincing me). You decide you want to build a bridge, and an hour later we have built one with popsicle sticks. For Alex's birthday you decided you wanted to wear a Robin Hood costume (since the theme was Jungle, and in Disney's version that you know he is a fox with a bow and arrow) and within the hour you had convinced Grandma Zannah to make you a furry vest and hat to match. "Let's do it!" is your motto.

2) You are a joyful soul. You dance, you run, and you jump your heart out daily. You whip up Alex into a joyful dance and still can laugh at yourself after he pushes a big box down the stairs on top of you.

3) You are a sensitive soul, bridging the divide into a big kid. You crave independence and were so pleased with yourself when I let you cross a street solo. But you still are a little kid, and get worried about getting lost. You like to cuddle in bed, read books, and hug your special "Ba" but you would drop everything to run off for a few hours with the older next door neighbor and hang out with the big guys, with not a look back.

4) You still love your parents (though your friends are getting much more important!). This year you have really come into your own. Last year working out the social stuff at preschool left you a sobbing mess at the end of the day. This year at Glenridge you have gained a quiet confidence that has been building and building. You crave friendships are would rather hang out with your buddies, but you still tolerate and want special time with your parents, for now!

5) You are Ben. We love you for who you are and who you will become. And all the sobbing, dancing, crying, laughing, whining, singing and jumping in between.

Birthday wish list

On Brothers

Tonight, when Ben was going to sleep (and Alex was staying up a bit later) he said:

"I want Alex to be in here with me, because he's more brave. He has blue eyes and can see everything in the dark, and mine are green and I can't see anything."

Visiting Portland

Doughnuts!

Bunk beds!