Today I woke up as the mom of a 5-year old. It shouldn’t feel that much different than yesterday, but it does. Because for some reason to me, 5 is a huge milestone. My little one will go from being a preschooler to a grade schooler. Lights are starting to turn on and the world is becoming a bigger place with bigger opportunities—and also bigger risks. But that’s what the last 5 years have been for…to prepare him for this exciting world he’s going to continue to discover. Only now it will be with a little less hand holding. And, quite honestly, it’s bittersweet that he seems up for the challenge.
I look forward to what the year ahead holds, but for now I want to capture and celebrate the things I cherish about Big, and who he is in this fleeting moment.
I celebrate the little boy who continues to sleep with a bed full of stuffed animals (who must be tucked in just so…even if it means he gets no pillow himself). And I celebrate the big boy who suddenly wants to read to me at bedtime (and is getting pretty good at it).
I celebrate the little boy who asks me if Santa’s elves are the ones singing on his paper guitar the man in the red suit brought him. And I celebrate the big boy who follows up that very question by shouting at his growling brother, “Little, dragons are just imaginary!”
I celebrate the little boy who still says ‘two-th’ and ‘three-th’ instead of ‘second’ and ‘third’. And I celebrate the big boy who said ‘restaurant’ clearly for the first time recently (but don’t think I’ll let him forget that it was ‘restraunk’ for years).
I celebrate the little boy who still loves to sing Twinkle, Twinkle and If You’re Happy and You Know It. And I celebrate the big boy who now wants Katy Perry and Pink on his birthday CD (don’t worry friends, I’m keeping it G rated).
I celebrate the little boy who can’t get to the window fast enough to watch the garbage man on Thursday mornings. And I celebrate the big boy who’s starting to become interested in words like engineer (Cousin Mugg and Carolline, we’re going to need your help with this one).
I celebrate the little boy who still loves to hold my hand when I’m walking him into school. And I celebrate the big boy who’s all too often saying things like, “Oooh, remember when I was a kid? I used to love those!”
I celebrate the little boy who’s still too shy to talk to strangers (even though it can make me crazy at times). And I celebrate the big boy who suddenly can’t wait to get up in front of his class to share—or even read (well, sort of).
I celebrate the little boy who cried in my arms last night when I told him I couldn’t go to school with him after all today because of my bed rest restrictions. And I celebrate the big boy who gave me a confident kiss and ran out the door to share his special day with his friends.
I celebrate the little and big boy who cares so deeply about everything—from loved ones to strangers to dead Christmas trees to landfills to getting dressed first. I celebrate his serious, cautious side and I celebrate his fun-loving, knock-knock joke telling side. I celebrate his physical confidence, his curiosity and his expressive blue eyes. I celebrate who he is and who’s he’s made me and our family.
Happy birthday to my not-so-little, but oh-so-wonderful Big!
Aimee says
March 30, 2011 at 11:00 amHi, Amy. I’m Julia’s friend Aimee. Finally home this week and able to spend some time here.
I love your site! And what a wonderful inaugural post for me to read. Thank you for reminding me of the many sweet contrasts we see in our children as they grow up. And how those little-big ones shape our families for the better.
Amy says
March 30, 2011 at 11:05 amThanks so much, Aimee. I hope you enjoyed some family time and I’ll look forward to reading more from you too!
Ginger says
March 30, 2011 at 11:53 amAwwww, what a sweet post.
Amy says
March 30, 2011 at 12:37 pmThanks, Ginger. I’m a sap, what can I say? (Well, obviously lots…too much, some might say.)
Vrushali says
March 30, 2011 at 11:57 amSuch a beautiful post. Loved reading it! Happy birthday to Big !
Amy says
March 30, 2011 at 12:36 pmThanks, Vrushali. Hope all is well with you and your not-so-little girl these days! She must be getting big…
Jodie says
March 30, 2011 at 3:42 pmAmy, I love how you captured both how young AND how old you little guy is getting. I totally feel the same way! It’s funny how he refuses to hold my hand in the parking lot because he’s too big for that (and is “faster than the cars” – yikes!) but is also too shy to always acknowledge others when they greet him (like your Big). AND how my finn is already into regular boy sizes – size 1-2 shoes and size small shirts/shorts – and yet he still loves sitting on my lap. (and let me tell you that kid is heavy and has a bony butt!) 😉
Another wonderful read AND great update on Big’s 5-year-old activities!!!
j
Amy says
March 30, 2011 at 7:04 pmHa, I’ve got a heavy one with a bony butt too. It’s amazing that our boys are growing up so quickly. I love sharing it with you from afar!
Michelle says
March 30, 2011 at 5:39 pmHappy Birthday to you both. I always thinks Mommy’s should get to celebrate too. You are right 5 is a big milestone with many many more to come. Be sure to tell us how you feel on his first day of big kids school. I can still remember that one and its been 22 years. Great Post!
Amy says
March 30, 2011 at 7:07 pmYes, it’s definitely a celebration for all of us. Thanks so much for the warm wishes and, yes, there will be a kindergarten post…if I can stop weeping long enough to write it.
linda says
March 30, 2011 at 6:04 pmPlaying with Big 5 briefly today, I could see he was happy, grounded, and totally in tune with life and it’s many ups and downs. You have reason so celebrate and to be proud! Thanks for once again taking me down memory lane.
p.s. My Little couldn’t part with his stuffed animals until he was at least 15….beware, and bring out the vaccum in the spring!
Amy says
March 30, 2011 at 10:19 pmThanks so much for the attention and celebratory balloons you gave Big today. He loved it!
Elizabeth says
March 30, 2011 at 9:49 pmHappy Birthday Big! Such a sweet and loving tribute to your wonderful little guy!
Amy says
March 30, 2011 at 10:20 pmThanks so much! Hope your Big had a wonderful day too!
Carolline says
March 31, 2011 at 12:47 amAmy,
Your ability to write out experiences with such details is God sent and will be rewarded someday by either one of your kids who will read these stories one day and cry their eyes out (like I am right now) and will kindly thank you for all your work (and words) or by some random person who will acknowledge your impeccable way of describing the simplicity yet complex family life. I absolutely love reading everything you write. If you ever write a novel, I want to be one of the first ones to read it. Honestly. Happy birthday. I love you, Big. 🙂 you certainly deserve the mommy you have. I’m sure he had a blast today! Much love..
Amy says
March 31, 2011 at 9:39 amAww, thanks so much, Carolline. I WILL write a book someday and I’ll be sure that you get a copy.
The birthday boy was in heaven and so grown up you wouldn’t believe it! Love to you too!
CameSawShopped says
April 1, 2011 at 5:55 pmWhat a lovely post; brought so many wonderful memories back to me. A time
when my guys were 5 and ready to test their wings and fly off to kindergarten.
This is the start of his forming friendships that will extend through
elementary school and beyond…a very special time!
Amy says
April 1, 2011 at 6:00 pmThanks so much! It is a sweet time and Big is embracing 5 with confidence, compassion and excitement. So much to look forward to!
Dana says
April 6, 2011 at 4:40 pmBig is truly a treasure-the perfect mix of a tender, loving child and a constant challenge with his wide-eyed curiosity and strong opinions! He defies the typical stereotype of a rough, tough, little boy who loves to get dirty, but he does have those moments! I love everything about Big and only wish he could stay little longer!
Amy says
April 6, 2011 at 9:35 pmMe too!