Two Hands

Mr. Ethan,

Today you turn 6...we now count your age with two hands. I can't get over how strange it sounds to say you are six years old! As hard as it is for me to think about how old you are getting, sometimes I forget that you're not 10 or 12! You are wise beyond your years.

This past year your dad and I have been amazed at how you've grown and matured. Your shoulders are suddenly broader, you're taller, and we can no longer play baseball in the backyard because you hit most every ball over the fence. When you wrestle with your dad you can actually hold your own (and I think some of your playful punches are starting to hurt!).


Preschool finished in a blur and you were more than ready for Kindergarten in the fall. You have so much mental energy that I can hardly keep up with you at home. You thrive on the stimulation at school and soak up every fact that is sent your way. You're learning to tell time, how to read, fine-tuning your writing, and you've even learned how to spell. You come home from school and say "I don't remember" when we ask you what you did that day. However, most often at night, you'll suddenly spill a wealth of information about what you did that day or week. You love the science and computer centers at school and I loved your journal entry about beavers and how they have "slappers".

You are learning that your brother can be a pretty cool playmate (well, sometimes anyway). Your dad and I often find you playing trucks or race cars together. You love to lead him in an activity, or mischief, or whatever other craziness the two of you can concoct. We've decided that we're going to have to watch you guys closely when you play outside since we think you're going to convince Micah to do some pretty dangerous stuff. You have also learned exactly what to say to make Micah scream and cry. That, my child, is incredibly annoying. But, you are siblings and children, so your dad and I try to remind each other of that.

You don't hold my hand very often anymore. I knew that would happen eventually, so any time you are actually willing to be seen in public holding mom's hand, I take it. To your credit, you are trustworthy enough to walk through a parking lot and stay by me. I don't have to hold your hand to keep you from running off. You also don't always have time to give me a kiss when I drop you off at school. If you see one of your friends heading for the playground, the last thing you want is to spend extra time handing out kisses (I am learning to grab kisses at home before leaving for school!). However, just last night you curled up on my lap and asked me to sing a song to help you fall asleep. I can't begin to tell you how much your mommy loved having you rest your head on my shoulder while I sang.

What makes my heart the most full is seeing how you've grown in the the knowledge of God. You listen raptly to the Bible stories and love to talk about them later. You've learned to pray and will often lead us in prayer before or after dinner. I often have to fight tears as I listen to you thank God for the people and things that surround you. Your dad and I pray regularly that your love of God will grow and develop as you get older.


Ethan, I love you tons and tons and I'm blessed to have you as my son. Happy birthday, buddy!

Love,

Mom