Happy 5th birthday, Silas!

I can't believe my sweet baby boy is 5 years old! They say time flies when you're having fun, but holy moly! I remember his birth like it was yesterday. We had a fun day celebrating Silas' birthday at home, spending most of the day outside playing with his new big wheel "trick" bike. It was a spontaneous purchase on my part (mostly because I wasn't sure what to get and c'mon, being 5 is a big deal!) and it was a huge hit. Silas loves spinning on it and watching the sparks that fly when he brakes (yes, sparks literally fly!!!).  He chose Culver's for lunch and mac 'n cheese for dinner.  :)

The day after his birthday we had a party at Sky Zone, a joint party with his best friend, Graham Turcotte. The boys had so much fun jumping and playing with all their friends. Silas chose an army cake with an army tank on it.

Turning 5 has proven to be quite a challenge. I had (naively) thought turning the magic "5" would somehow turn out little boy into a more mature, well behaved bigger boy. 5 is just a number, it literally means nothing (how could I not know this by now?).  We've had more problems with sassiness and not listening than ever. He's never been one for meltdowns and tantrums, until he turned 5. Who knew turning 5 could bring such drama!?  While it's been tough, we get glimpses once in a while of the fun, sweet boy that's inside. Silas is great with his manners (except when it comes to bodily functions...he still thinks those are hilarious) and loves his sister with all his heart. He has become a huge fan of Nama's and loves spending time with her. He is energetic and loves all sports and absolutely LOVES being outside, rain or shine, hot or cold and prefers to be in shorts and shirtless at all times.

His favorite color is still orange. And just last week he learned to ride his bike without training wheels!! I don't think I've ever seen him so proud. I was at work when he learned and it was nearly dark when he and Jake got home from a soccer game but the three of us went outside so he could show me his new trick. I cheered loudly for him as he rode without training wheels and he jumped off his bike and ran, jumping into my arms. He was literally bursting at the seams with pride (and so was I!)  - it was so fun to see the joy he had in this big accomplishment.

And now my annual birthday letter to my boy.

My energetic and sweet boy,
      How is it possible that you are 5 years old already?  I tell you often that I'm going to put a brick on your head to keep you from growing but in all honestly, I am enjoying watching you grow. I selfishly wish you would stay little forever, but I am truly enjoying watching you grow into a fun-loving, happy boy.  You challenge me in ways I've never known were possible and some days make absolutely crazy, but I wouldn't change one thing about you.
     You are self-assured and confident and daily tell me things like, "I can run faster than you" ; "I can jump higher than so-and-so"; "I'm better at jumping than so-and-so" and believe whole-heartedly  that you are the best at all things in your life. I pray that Daddy and I can help you use this confidence for great things in your life (and tame it down a bit, haha!).
    You love for your family, particularly Stella, tells me that someday you will be a great family man. I love how much you love Stella and that no matter what she does, you are always kind to her...sometimes smother her with love, but so far, you are always kind to you and show her great amounts of affection. You'll never know how much that means to Daddy and me.
     I love you more than you can even understand. I truly feel that you won't be able to understand the depths of my love for you until you are a Daddy yourself. You are a beautiful brown-eyed, tan-skinned boy and I am so thankful God chose me to be your Mommy.