This boy at FIVE

This boy is now five years old.

He loves adventures and the sea.

He makes friends easier than anyone I have ever met.  "Hi, my names Luke.  Whats you name?  Wanna come to my party?"  He is so open to the world (and in turn, the world is open to him).

He loves animals.  Especially puppies and kittens and baby goats.  When we go to the zoo we always have to go say hi to Matilda the Moose even though she is the animal farthest away from the heart of the zoo (and the epic playset), even when his brother and sister are being crabs about going to see Matilda.  He is so soft hearted and gentle with animals that it breaks my heart.  He asked me "are we having another baby?" when I told him I didn't know, he said "can we get a puppy if there are no more babies?"  Umm.  No.  But I loved to see those wheels turning.

Speaking of his siblings... Luke is the BEST big brother.  I know this picture is pretty crappy - but do you know what I see?  Luke with a strong grasp of two little tornadoes.  A little brother and little sister that know without a doubt that he is WITH them, protecting them and loving them.  Of all the pictures I have snapped in the past week, this one makes me tear up, every single time.

This boy is fiercely loved.  He has us of course.  But he has a few more in his life that are helping make him in to the boy, and some day, the man, I know he can be.  Barb, or BAHB, as she is lovingly referred to by Luke, is helping round out our corners - providing some things that mom and dad just can't - ice cream for dinner, sword fights, and a soft place to fall when mom and dad are too tough.  He adores her. 

This boy is hilarious.  He is making me laugh more and more.  He loves to joke and get people laughing - in fact, Charlie's first real words were "tickle tickle tickle" due to a game that Luke taught him.  He has some sweet break dancing moves and loves country music.  He likes to put on hats and costumes and be silly.  He is living life full and fast and hard, every day.

This boy is still learning his limits.  Sometimes that hard and fast and full life, kicks his (and his momma's) butt.  We are trying to learn how to harness that energy and provide direction and stability to allow him to really experience the good times without the intensity of the crashes.  He has been a challenge this last year and changes don't come easily for him.  But he soldiers on.  And naps, when he needs to.

This boy is not my baby anymore.  I see the glimmer of the big boy he is becoming.  I am so grateful that he still likes to snuggle with his momma.  This boy is mine.  and I am so grateful to be able to say that.

Happy birthday Luke.  I think you put it best when you said, "I think I am going to like being five mom".

yes.  yes. yes.