And Now You're Five

Sweet Owen.  Your fifth birthday was yesterday.

We played in the dirt and built Lego creations and played with trains and read books.  We ate nachos and grapes and leftover birthday cake from your party.  These are a few of your favorite things.

This year has had more stability than any other year in your short little life; one house, a mom that has stayed at home, your first year of routine home educating, no added siblings or major medical events (unless you count all of your animals).  The things you love have stayed pretty constant - building, digging, reading and swimming all still top your list.

But you certainly have grown in stature and personality.

We are learning how your brain works as you have shown us that you love math, started reading and (sometimes grudgingly) began playing the violin.   You've started riding a "two-wheeler" bike and are so proud to be without training wheels.  Daddy has passed down his rhythm and you can frequently be seen drumming the beat to your favorite songs. 

Your birthday party was evidence of your introverted tendencies.  You were fine playing in the dirt pile while all of your friends played with the animals.  In contrast, your sister was handing out birthday hats and giving tours to all the attendants.  You wouldn't let us forget about opening presents and eating cake -two events that you happily took part in.

You love having long conversations on the phone and you've even started leaving endearing messages for those who don't answer.  You never fail to inform me, or anyone else, to "Leave me alone!  I'm on the phone!"   I can't imagine where you've heard that phrase before.

Three days before your birthday, you had your first trip to the doctor for an injury.  You were sliding down the slide and Ella was there to greet you at the bottom with the rusty, metal end of an old broom.  Ooops.  You were a champ as they glued your face back together.  Don't worry, your sister sobbed for about an hour after it happened.  She felt pretty terrible.

A couple of months ago, your Dad had a vision.  It wasn't a dream, as he rarely remembers his dreams.  But he woke one morning with overwhelming emotion about what he had seen.  It confirmed what had already been on our hearts: God has an amazing plan for you.  Your faith and spirit that God has given you has been evident since your time in my belly.  We are so excited to have the opportunity to raise you up and watch you become what He has in store.

You are a true blessing, Owen.  Happy Birthday to our little five-year-old.  Don't worry, I know better than to call you "little" to your face.  Love you......

Your cute smile at less than a month old. 

Of course, you were the size of a 3 month old when you were born...