Dear Alden,
Today, you are five years old. FIVE! Five years ago, your tiny 6lb 8oz little body was placed on my chest for the first time, and my heart grew more than I ever thought possible (for the second time in my life).
These days, you don’t quite fit on my chest, but you try. Last weekend, you and I took a nap together and you asked if you could lay on my chest. It didn’t quite work, but we did manage a snuggly snooze.
At five years old, you are the best big brother. You adore your sister more than anyone else and you would do absolutely anything for her. You adore your big brother too, but you two tend to argue more than anything. But in between the many arguments, I can see how much you love him.
These days, you are really into everything police related, as well as dinosaurs and sharks. You love music and dancing. You ask to listen to The Greatest Showman soundtrack every single day, and I happily oblige. You enjoy legos, but you’re still learning to put the sets together yourself.
Our family went through (and is still going through) a big change in the last few months. I accepted a new job at a different school, which means you and Leland have switched schools as well, and Olivia is at a new daycare. You like our new school and your teachers, but you’re still adjusting and missing your GTA friends and teachers. And since our new school doesn’t have a Young 5 program like we were planning to do at GTA, you’re in preschool again this year. I know this is a tough change for your little self to handle, but we’re getting through it, day by day. I know you want so badly to be in kindergarten, but we know you will benefit from the gift of a year, and it won't be long before next fall arrives and you begin kindergarten.
Your favorite foods are macaroni and cheese, most fruits, and just about any sweet treat. You hate going to bed, but you’re my best sleeper. Funny, you were the WORST sleeper from 0-18 months, and now you’re the only one to consistently sleep all night. You like to sit on the counter and watch me cook or help me bake.
You have the very best smile of anyone I’ve ever met. Your eyes twinkle and the whole world is brighter when you flash a genuine smile. And you still give the very best hugs - you have always been a good hugger. You are still our little comedian who makes us laugh every single day.
I know that at five years old, you’re becoming a big kid. You’re growing up and learning and changing so fast, and yet you’re still so much my baby. You still fit perfectly in my lap. I can still pick you up and carry you (and I will continue to do so until I absolutely can’t any longer). You still love to snuggle - no matter what you’re doing, you’re always happy to stop for a squeeze. I know you’re a big kid, but I’m soaking up all of your littleness.
Alden, I know we're struggling lately. You're trying to work through all of these changes and it leaves you angry at times. But I hope you always know, my precious boy, how loved you are even in the most trying moments. I am so thankful I get to be your mama. You are loved more than words, sweet boy. Happy Birthday!
Love,
Mom
