FIVE

After what equally feels like an eternity and a heartbeat, there is now five years space between the birth of my first child and now.  This parenting thing really messes with your sense of time and memory.

I blinked and now Soren is just days shy of five years old. 

We had a party for him yesterday, and after the medical ordeal we went through this past fall, I couldn't help being extra happy and grateful to see him running around and having fun with his friends.

Thanks Uncle Paul and Aunt Ashley for sharing this photo with us

This boy has brought so much growth, excitement, energy and meaning to our lives; I can't imagine the kind of person I'd be if he hadn't arrived five years ago.  Probably still chugging along that same old, self-absorbed path.

Despite its challenges, I am so grateful to be your mother, Soren.

You have taught be true patience, true joy, and true forgiveness, mostly for myself.  I admire your exuberant, adventurous spirit and pray that I don't crush it too much.  I'm trying my best to let you be who you are, despite us being SO different, personality-wise.  I want you to shine and be true to yourself, no matter what others think.

I am looking forward to this next year with you, getting to know you more, laughing at your goofiness, and watching you grow and change, especially as you go to Kindergarten.  I love you more than you could know, my sweet boy.  Happy birthday.