September 16, 2009
Dear Dawson,
Today, you are five years old. I cannot begin to tell you how this blows my mind. Five years ago you were born at 2:53 p.m., weighing 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and measuring 18 1/2 inches from beautiful head to tiny feet.
2004
Watching you grow up has been a joy, but is sometimes challenging. Over the last year you’ve transformed from my little guy into a big boy. You are a passionate and enthusiastic child, with an infectious joie de vivre that infects everyone in your presence.
2005
You love to be outside, exploring nature and investigating every creature and critter; from birds to bugs. A few weeks ago we saw a green caterpillar crawling on the railing of the deck and you exclaimed, “He’s so green! And cute! And tiny!” The smile on your face was priceless, as though this was your first encounter with a caterpillar.
2006
You are motivated by a desire to learn, often asking questions about things you don’t understand. You have the discipline and patience to focus your energy on particular skill or project, and I noticed this while you were playing your Transformers video game on the Nintendo DS. After you vented your frustrations while figuring out what to do, you kept playing the game until you mastered the skill, and then went beyond what you already achieved. Each time you reached a new level you were so proud of yourself. “I did it, Mom!” I heard you shout. “I did it!”
2007
Occasionally, your passionate nature can lead to rebelliousness and you do not like when your father and I discipline you. You are an independent child, someone who must do things on his own time frame. You do not like to be rushed. This was made clear from the way you came into the world.
Doctors induced labor on a Tuesday and you decided you would not be told when to be born. Instead, you waited until Thursday to make your grand debut. To this day, you hate to be told what to do. You’re a very good kid, and you listen to what your dad and I say, but you make sure to do things your very own way.
My biggest challenge as a parent is struggling to find the appropriate discipline methods. I never want to break your incredible spirit. I aim to guide you in making good decisions and to instill in you the values my parents taught me.
2008
You are bursting with energy, and you thrive on competition. Each day after the mailman brings our mail, you jump up and say, “I’ll race you to the mailbox, Mom!” or “Last one there is the rotten egg!” Of course you win because your skinny legs are much quicker than mine. I am forever the rotten egg when it comes to mailbox racing.
You are a warm-hearted child. You care about the feelings of others and you love to offer hugs to make people feel happy. When someone is sad you try to cheer them up with your adorable smile and charming blue eyes. On the first day of 4-year-old kindergarten you said to me, “Now, don’t cry, Mom. I’m going to have so much fun! Don’t cry, okay? I love you so much.” And I didn’t cry. Well, not until a week later when you got on the school bus for the first time. It was difficult to watch a piece of my heart ride off without me.
2009
Your manners are impeccable. You are polite and courteous and never forget to say “please” or “thank you” or “your welcome” and when you are speaking to adults, you always open your conversation by saying “excuse me”. Last week we went to the library and another girl sneezed. I was so proud when I heard you say “God Bless You” and the Librarian remarked on how well-mannered you are.
Several times each day you’ll come by me and ask for a hug or kiss, and my heart melts when I hear you say things like, “I just love you so much, Mom!” It’s moments like these that make me want to freeze time. You’re growing up so fast. It feels like just yesterday I was holding you in the hospital, clumsily trying to nurse. I remember looking into your eyes and thanking the Lord for my little miracle. Oh, how I wish I had a rewind button.
I love your laugh. I love when you giggle at funny things. I love that you look forward to reading books with me before bed time. I love that you are so excited to be a big brother. But most of all, I love you very, very much. You’ll always be my baby.
Happy Birthday, Doodlebug!
Love,
Mom
RSS feed for comments on this post.
TrackBack URI
September 16th, 2009 at 9:13 AM, Becky Says:
awww happy birthday dawson!
September 16th, 2009 at 1:09 PM, jennster Says:
he is so stinking cute!!! such a sweet post! i miss you girl!! hope you are doing well.. xoxoxo
September 16th, 2009 at 7:16 PM, Katie Says:
Happy Birthday Dawson! He is so adorable.
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Junket FAIL =-.
September 17th, 2009 at 6:53 PM, Liz@thisfullhouse Says:
Happy Birthday, soon to be big brother, Dawson!
.-= Liz@thisfullhouse´s last blog ..Nearly Wordless Wednesday: Suburban Sprawl, It’s What’s for Supper! =-.