Five
Monique | Monday, August 29, 2011 at 9:20AM Caesar Noel,
After kissing your forehead and tucking you into the top bunk, I tell you that you’re going to wake up and be five years old.
“I can handle that, Mom.” You say with a humongous smile. And it takes all of me not to melt into a puddle of tears in front of you.
Because, let’s face it, you’ve seen enough of that these last couple of weeks.
I cried when we registered you for school, when you soared through your Kindergarten readiness screening, I cried in Spencer’s when we bought your Ninja Turtle backpack, cried when I sent you to bed a four year old and I’m crying now that you are five.
I’m sorry that I’m emotional. Being a mom really brings out the wuss in me.
My Prince, it is remarkable the way you have grown, despite all of the changes and disappointments that we as a family experienced this year, and there are no words to describe how proud of you I am, how grateful I am to be your mother.
There are so many things I love about you; How you keep me on my toes with your curiosity and silly wit. You make me smile with your dance moves and cool tricks. You astonish me with your knowledge and outlook on life. You motivate me with your spirit and determination.
Naturally, some days we exceed each others’ patience quotients and end up crying at each other, as you understand feelings more, and better learn how to express your thoughts, these spirited times are becoming easier to manage.
Your interests are varied, from music to video games you love to do so many different things. And you're the only one who listens to my stories. Thank you for that.
You were once a tiny newborn, swimming in your Darth Vader onesie and jeans – your take home outfit from the hospital. And every day that tiny baby fades away as you grow into being a big boy.
I love who you are, and who you are growing up to be.
At this monumental age of five, you are beginning a big, new, journey; the start of your school career. I know that you’ll do well, I’ll be sitting by the bus stop all. day. long.
Caesar, I am certain that you can handle being five, because I know that you are brave, clever and strong and can handle anything.
I put a four year old to bed, and will wake up to kisses from my five year old. I’ll listen as he tells me about the fire breathing dragon in his dream, and I can’t think of anything more sublime than that.
Happy Birthday, Skittle. May your day, this year and every year to come, be phenomenal. I love you so, so much!
<3 Mommy
Reader Comments (8)
Oh, I love posts like this. What an amazing boy you have!
*sigh* I miss 5. I love this. I wish I'd taken more of these moments when they were 5.
I am SO not looking forward to that day.
Your children are beautiful! My son turned 5 in the spring and today is his first day of school. It's so bittersweet, isn't it? It's hard to acknowledge the fact that they don't need you us as much as we would like them to.
Triplezmom - Thank you! I write these things monthly for my youngest, LOL.
Becky - Want Caesar? He's five! :P
Liz - It sucks! I cried all day. It got to a point, where I'd look at him and my lip qould quiver and he'd just pat me on the head and say "It's okay, Mommy." Oy.
Nicole - That's it exactly! I'm so very much in awe of the way he's grown, but with every step forward he takes, he's leaving me behind! It stinks.
I love your thoughtful, deep sharing on this. It is so hard to watch the little ones sprout up so fast. I remember with shock my 3 year old (then 2 or so) telling me nicely she could get dressed by herself...then doing it. Now little sister, "baby" Sophie is potty training. Next thing I know, I'll be standing in the footprints of where you stood, bawling my eyes out as they walk into the school independently...
Amazing pics, Monique! :) Reminds me of why I need to stop by your blog more often. Great stuff.
*tear* Happy Birthday to your sunshine. He is such a doll. It all happens way too fast. It seriously freaks me out. Beautifully written.