Henry turns 5.

This past Saturday, our little Henry turned five.

Our first born, our pride and joy, our sweet little 8 lb 6 oz bundle of joy is five…FIVE.

You guys, I have so many mixed emotions about this, but it is what it is and I tried my very best to not become the crazy/sad/happy/emotional mom last Saturday.  It was tough.

We tried for over a year to get pregnant with our little guy – lots of emotions, medication and a blighted ovum (another story for another day), but in late August of 2010, we found out we were pregnant and Jon and I were over the moon excited!

The pregnancy, labor and delivery were all a dream.  I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

On May 7, 2011, the best thing that had ever happened to us had occurred.  Our little Henry had arrived and boy-oh-boy, he was, and still is, amazing.  Sure, becoming a mother for the first time had its challenges, but my goodness, I wouldn’t trade it for anything…ANYTHING in this world.

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My Henry,

I’m so proud of you.

You’re a dream of a little boy and I’m so happy I get to be your Mom.

You have the kindest heart, the best hugs and the silliest jokes – although, most jokes usually revolve around poops and toots.

I can honestly say that I know that you’re going to grow up to become a phenomenal man.  You’re already learning that girls go first, you hold doors open for strangers and I’m sure you’ll woe somebody someday with your pancake makin’ skills.

But let’s not jump that far ahead, yet.  Okay?  Please take your time growing.  I’m not finished snuggling with you yet and Eliza needs her playmate to stay young and busy.

Speaking of which, you’re amazing with, “Ziza” as you often call her, and you’re always trying to help her.  You encourage her and she encourages you.  Daddy and I are beyond thrilled that the two of you are together in this big ol’ world.  We’re so happy the two of have each other day-in and day-out.  You can be the best of friends and sure, at times you bicker, but it never lasts long and the two of you are always quick to forgive and back to being the best of friends.

Gosh you love her.

We call you our little, “Project Manager.”  You’re always telling us to build something.  Most times you’re involved, but there are times when you watch over our shoulder and tell us, “good job” or “NO!  You’re not doing it right!”  We try our best, baby boy…we try our best…

It seems as though your most common question is, “How?”  You’re so intrigued with how things work and we must always provide an answer.  You always try your darndest to work out a problem in your head.

Your solution?  “Mom, I know!  We need scissors, cardboard and some tape!”

Whenever I go to the grocery store I always try to buy tape.  You looooove tape.  We’ve built so many things out of tape and cardboard.  We’ve built a huge cardboard RV equipped with a table, windshield wipers, a window, headlights and a steering wheel.  Still, you wanted more.  We’ve built cardboard slides, cardboard marble runs, a huge hardboard mailbox (including one that involved the shop vac), and even a cardboard car wash.  Cardboard for days!  Never in a million years would I have thought that I’d be building so many things out of cardboard, but Henry, you make it so fun!

You love playing with your sister, building forts out of the couch cushions, Legos, Paw Patrol, PJ Masks, driving the Barbie Car, funny jokes, a good magic trick, putting underwear on your head and socks on your hands and dancing naked while your little sister does the same.  You guys are nuts and Daddy and I LOVE it!  You love pancakes, bacon, sausage, the crunchy tips of asparagus.  You love chocolate milk shakes, chocolate doughnuts, chocolate steamers, chocolate candy…anything and everything chocolate.  You’ll do anything for chocolate!

My hunny bunny, you’re full of love.  So much love.  You love your sister, Mom and Dad, both sets of grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends…you love them all so very much.  You get along with everyone so well.  You’re gentle and soft.  You always have been and I know, I know you always will be.

You’re the best little boy.  You’re the sweetest little boy.  You’re my favorite little boy.

You’re my beating heart.

Oh, how are you five already?  Gone are the infant and toddler days.  You are ending your pre-schooler days, and while I’m not ready…at all…I must say that I’m anxiously excited for our next chapter together.  The chapter you’ll be entering as a school-aged boy.  Oh my Henry, you have so much to offer and I can’t wait for the the world to see it.  You’ll move mountains…I know you will.

I love you so much it hurts.

To the moon and back, hunny…to the moon and back.

Forever and always,

Mom