Birthday Boy!

It was birthday week last week in our house. Heck, for some reason I still feel like it's birthday week. I think it should more appropriately be called, birthday month. A certain little, big boy turned six. Six! That's crazy.

In six short years he went from this.....

to this....a boy who wanted smelly markers for his birthday. Where has the time gone? Please, someone slow it down. Before I know it that kid in the orange is going to be six too. Sigh.

We even through a real birthday party, at a skating rink. I thought I had lost my mind when we walked in. It was busy and I had 8 kids, without parents, who were going to navigate the skating rink with just my husband. Oh, and only two of them had ever skated before. Ack! What was I thinking?

But, lo and behold, we were surprised. Surprised that these little people were so brave. Well, they became brave after watching their friends skate around for awhile and then slowly but surely making their way around and around and around the skating rink....together.

Even this little punk went, got frustrated, took off his skates, put them back on and tried again.

We had cake and ice cream.

And opened presents.

And sent these sweaty, exhausted children home with their parents, hopefully not to sore and bruised but at least they were all smiling when they left.

Happy Birthday my sweet six year old. You are the light of our world and we look forward to many more birthdays with you. Love you!

Birthday, Birthday, Birthday

October (and one day of September) is birthday month in our house. 3 of the 5 members of this family have birthdays within just 3 weeks of each other. To say we've been knee deep in birthday parties, cupcakes, presents and cake would be a vast understatement.

Four

Dear Declan,

Happy 4th Birthday Little Man! Can you please tell me how it is that you are four years old already? I can't seem to figure it out. I'm pretty sure I was just in the hospital snuggling your 7lb 7oz little body in the crook of my arm. I was so unaware of the joy, craziness, spunk, love and loudness you were about to bring to our family. And I wouldn't change any of it for the world. Well maybe the loudness, nah....that's what makes you you!

You are our little firecracker. That red hair is no understatement for your personality. You are full of life, vibrance, laughter and a whole lot of craziness that I can't even begin to explain. You have brought a level of affection to our family that is beyond my wildest dreams. I can't imagine our family without you.

In the past year you have grown into such a little man. You've started preschool and you love it. You can be shy at times and we were nervous what school would be like for you but you have surpassed our expectations and are doing great. You have become a little social butterfly as well, making friends and enjoying life as a preschooler. Your sad when its not a school day and you can barely contain yourself when it is.

Your stubborn. You learn at your own pace. You love Star Wars. You want to wrestle. You are a sucker for reverse psychology. Your affectionate. You never stop talking, ever. You love destroying things, especially anything constructed by your brothers. Your detailed. You have the best red curly hair. You love telling stories, especially when your brothers aren't around. You love to color but only in black. Your carefree. Your spirited. Your feisty. Your the most amazing 4 year old I know.

Four years ago today our life changed forever. Not only did we bring you into this world but we also embarked on a new adventure as a family. Just 9 days after you were born your daddy started a new job, in a new state. Two weeks later we joined him. So your birthday is a symbol of a lot of change in our life. Change that was good. You've changed our lives little man. You've taught me patience and love and more patience. You've made me a better mother. So today we celebrate your life. We love you Little Man. May God Bless you today and every day.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy.

One Year Pictures

Bennett and I had a small photo shoot last week. I'm not a professional but I do enjoy taking pictures, especially of cute little boys. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did taking them.

Watch me grow.

1 Month

2 Months

3 Months

4 Months

5 Months

6 Months

7 Months

8 Months

9 Months

10 Months

11 Months

12 Months