Five.

He is a living breathing 24-7 reminder that life is simple, and that happiness is everywhere. He is abundantly joyful and exuberant about the smallest things. He delights in every bug and looks forward to the watching the sunrise. He wakes up happy every. single. day. He is pure joy. All the time.

He’s beginning to truly find his way in the world. He’s learning how to maximize his role as the middle child, using it to rise to the occasion as well as making it work in his favor. He works hard to share, to be patient, to take turns. He does his best to try his best even though challenges are not his favorite.

He’s inherently social. He can carry on a conversation with adults better than most adults. He makes connections.  He asks great questions. He’s thoughtful, often staring out the window thinking about things. We still can literally see the wheels turning. He wants to be in the mix, and he is always willing to go for a ride, take a walk, or help with a task. I remain convinced he is part golden retriever, loyal as loyal can be. He will be right by your side as long as you let him.

He talks all the time. He processes out loud and over and over again. He needs to know the why. He still mixes up words like “mag-mets” (magnets), and he has all but grown out of his signature ability to take a breath in the middle of a word and resume conversation without missing a beat.

I truly believe that he was sent here to save us. So many times he is the brightest little light in our family. He’s my greatest teacher. He’s the child who is the most different from me, and I’ve delighted in seeing the world through his eyes ever since he came into it. He is everything good wrapped up into a beautiful little boy. And now he is 5!

And I love him. Oh, how I Iove him.

Happy Birthday to my W.

Find the joy,

Jessica

Jessica McCauley, M.Ed. is a parenting coach/consultant. She draws on her background as a Montessori educator and Child Life Specialist to help families navigate the challenges of the early childhood years. Contact Jessica at http://smallhandsbigsteps.com/contact/ for more information or to schedule a consultation.