Five years old

I can only imagine how I’ll feel thirty years from now. As Thomas just turned five, I kept thinking of a quote our minister used at our wedding. It was from the song "Sunrise, Sunset" from "Fiddler on the Roof" (many thanks to my mom for remembering this for me and correcting my previous statement!) and it went something like this: “Is this the little boy I carried? Is this the little girl who played? I don’t remember getting old, when did they?”

Five years have flashed by in the blink of an eye. It does not seem like five years ago we were gazing at our little miracle baby sleeping peacefully in the bassinet:

I hope Parker understands one day, but there will never be a better moment in my life than the one when Thomas was born five years ago. After everything we went through -- the loss, the complications, the bedrest, the everything -- just to get him into this world, when he was born and he cried for the first time, it was a moment unlike any other. It was undoubtedly the very best moment of my life. I was in tears, but it was the most happy, joyful tears I've ever cried.

It is best summed up by 1 Samuel 1:27 -- "I have prayed for this child, and the Lord has given me what I asked of him."

Before long, he was our little chunky monkey, full of rolls and full of smiles and laughter. (here at four months)

And then he was one…

And then two (about two weeks before he came a big brother!)…

Then a crazy three year old…

Then another blink and he was four.

And now, after a busy year, he is five. Five. I cannot believe it!

This has been a big, big year for Thomas. We have moved twice, he has learned to write all his letters and has started reading simple words (he asks me ALL THE TIME what different words say and mean). He gave up training wheels and learned soccer and t-ball. He is drawing real pictures (sometimes) – more than just scribbling on a page. He still loves pizza, being outside and TALKING.

His teacher told us at his last review that Thomas is a very friendly child. She observed that he likes to greet everyone who comes into the classroom and that everyone likes him and wants to be his friend. At this point in his life, that is one of the most important things I want to hear! I remember a wise judge (not my father, in case you are wondering) telling the courtroom one time that you “have to get along with people.” I think it’s a really important trait and so far, Thomas seems to have it mastered. He loves talking to anyone and everyone.

He is still a picky eater, but follows my rule of trying at least one bite of everything on his plate every single night (and there is almost always a vegetable at dinner). He still doesn’t like chocolate, which is almost a blessing when it comes to his peanut allergy. I never have to worry about him eating a Reese’s cup or something because he would take one look at the chocolate and turn up his nose. Though with the allergy, we try to remind him never to eat things that we have not approved first. It is a challenge, on many levels, and I do hope and pray that somehow, someway he can outgrow this limitation one day.

He is still waiting for his official party next weekend, but he was mighty proud to turn five on the 20th (I’m backdating this post!).

He kept reminding me that there needed to be five candles on his cake and he was sure to doublecheck that I had followed his instructions properly!

It’s hard to believe that later this year he will start kindergarten and before we know it, five more years will pass and he will be 10. If I were to really think about it, I’m sure I would be in tears.

He is such a special, special miracle and I am so thankful for the blessing he is in our lives. He is a wonderful big brother and a loving son and we are so lucky. Happy 5th birthday to our dear, sweet Thomas.