Bean Turns 5

Dear Bean,

You hit the big 0-5 yesterday, a whole handful.  I remember being 5.  I still talk to people I've known since I was 5.  You'll learn to tie your shoes and ride a bike without training wheels.  Five is a big deal.

In the last year, you've learned so much - all your letters and the sounds they make, writing (you can copy anything we write), how to spell your last name and lots of other words, syllables (that's fun), and much more.  You play video games and just started soccer a few weeks ago.  You're the youngest on the field, but you get better every practice.  Legos are your latest obsession.  You are putting together kits that are geared for kids 7 and older.  It reminds me of when you were 2 and loved putting together puzzles.

You really thinned out this year.  You're the tallest in your classroom and a complete string bean - no wonder, because you hardly eat a thing.  Food has been a constant battle.  You don't eat anything that's been mixed together and won't touch a vegetable other than a carrot.  You favor things that are shades of white, yellow, and brown.  You still love peanut butter sandwiches and milk.

You're a great big brother - even when your little brother is being a bossy bully (which, lately, seems like all the time).  You include him in everything (except small Legos) and the two of you just adore each other (you know, when he isn't trying to bite you or hit you with whatever he's decided is a "sword").

When you were 4, your great-grandpa came out to visit.  You went to the air show on base.  We also traveled to California, Indiana, and Colorado to visit the other grandparents.  You're still a great sport on those long car rides and, thankfully for the person if front of you, have stopped kicking the seat in the airplane.

You're great fun on holidays, especially Christmas and birthdays.  You're excited enough for everyone.

There's no baby left you anymore, kiddo.  You are a total kid nowadays - as hard as that is for your mom to realize.

Just be you.

Love,
Mama