Never Lost

Dear Jack,

Just like Caleb, your birthday post is months late.  Don't be fooled, son.  Just because you are a middle child, you will never (and I mean ever) be lost in the middle.  

There is something about you, little man.  Something special.  I wish I could put my finger on it, but then again maybe I don't.  Maybe I don't want to crack the code of what makes you so magical.  The way you look at the world is simply different from others.

Just the other day we were walking past a neighbor's dead yard.  Flanked by lush, green yards on both sides, it stuck out like a sore thumb.  Every blade of grass was brown. 'The people who live there are really lucky!" you exclaimed.  "Why?" we asked, confused.  "Well, now they know exactly where their yard ends and where the other neighbors' begin."  Your positivity is inspiring.

You are also tenacious.  You are the only one in the family who chose to continue your Chinese education.  You go to the Kentucky Chinese School every Sunday.  I love to hear you speak Mandarin.  You may not know it now, but this is an investment that I believe will serve you well in the future.

You make friends easily, but you still enjoy playing on your own.  You are extremely creative, making worlds and games and rules all your own.  There is never a dull moment with you around!

You've done so well with the transition back to the States.  I know you miss your best buddy, Jack Mac.  I know you miss our neighborhood and the pool and your old school.  I'm so proud of how you've managed to stay our sweet, positive Jack, through it all.  

I can't wait to see what adventures are in store for you this year, dear.  I love you to the moon and back.  Happy 6th birthday, sweet boy (a lot late).

Love,

Mommy

My baby is 4

Dear Caleb,

Did you know that one of Mommy's favorite songs is The Circle Game by Joni Mitchell?  She sings about how quickly time flies and children grow.  It brings me to tears every single time I hear it.  Just like that book: Love You Forever.  Pretty much anything that has to do with growth and change makes me a blubbering mess.  And now that list includes you.

I'm happy to report that the tears I cry are no longer tears of frustration with your larger than life attitude.  No, these days, I cry over my baby not being a baby anymore.  You really are a big boy now.  I mean, you don't even need my help in the bathroom anymore.  What??  Guess it really is time for that puppy.

I think it's actually a great thing it's taken me an extra few months to write your birthday post.  You've blossomed while we waited for the computer desk to arrive.  As we watched moving boxes slowly dwindle, and seen you walk into your preschool class for the first time, we've seen a beautiful change in you.  In just a few short months you've gone from punching temper tantrums to actually using feeling words to express frustration.  You are so kind and loving.  I am showered with kisses instead of being told, "Mommy, today is not a kissing day."

I can honestly say, you are a joy to be around.  We've had some difficult times this year.  I don't know how much of it was an international move and how much was just a natural progression from grumpy toddler into fun little boy.  Whatever it was, I'll take it.

I want to give you a snapshot of your four year old self...You have what Maddie would call "fluffy" white blond hair.  Your huge blue eyes draw adoring smiles from strangers.  You are still a little thumb sucker.  You refer to your button down shirt as your "handsome" shirt, striking a pose and smiling coyly each time you wear it.  You think bathroom humor is the funniest.  You love your ABC's, your grandparents, dogs, and sugar.  You want to be a "minja" [ninja].  You cling to us like a spider monkey when we pick you up, pressing your cheek hard against ours.  You have mommy's heart.

I am so excited to see what this next year holds for you, Caleb.  You will learn so much in school.  You will begin to make friends.  You may even learn to ride a bike.  Who knows?!  The world is your oyster, and I'm lucky enough to be sitting in the boat beside you.

I wish you a belated happiest birthday ever, little man!

Love,
Mommy