It amazes me, but you are now 6 years old.

I was just thinking about Christmas and how Mary must have felt about her son. I remember having you so close to Christmas and thinking so much about Mary and Baby Jesus - not just the perfect ideals, but also the reality of a new baby. It is impossible to think of loving anything more than you. I loved you so much before I ever saw you. Feeling you move inside of me; each moment that you kicked Daddy's hand when he touched my belly; the closeness of you - I treasure it all in my heart as Mary did.


A few nights ago you and I were sitting down and watching videos of you when you were little. It was wonderful to remember. It was also nearly impossible to wrap my mind around how much you have changed. You have grown so much this year. You are no longer my baby, but rather my boy. I want to capture each memory - your little boy smell, the way your little arm feels when it is draped over me as we snuggle at night, the sleepy little yawns, how excited you get when we play games, how you say "comoteatroll" for "remote control," how your little voice sounds, the enthusiastic way you sing blaring out only some of the words at the top of your voice, and so many other moments.

This year you started Kindergarten. I was worried about the transition. We have hardly ever been apart the past 5 1/2 years, and you were adamant that you were not going to go. "That would take all day!" you would tell me, as though you didn't have time for such a thing in your life. Even after we signed you up, you seemed to have a difficult time with the idea. It was an idea we both took some time to adjust to. To be honest, I'm not sure I've fully adjusted yet. Even though I have been home with you, it really doesn't feel like it's been long enough for me. I love being your mom.



There have been so many firsts. You have lost 2 teeth already since school started. It has been very exciting because when you lose teeth in Kindergarten, you get to have your name put on the tooth chart and you get a special tooth necklace. Speaking of Kindergarten, you LOVE it! You are an enthusiastic learner and Dad and I can't believe how many new things you are learning every day. The other day you came how and drew us an A/B pattern. You also have been telling time, learning so many new sounds, talking through rhyming blends, and sounding out new words. You crack me up as you walk into school waving, calling out your friends by name and laughing. So far you have had mostly great reports at school of being friendly with everyone and loving to learn and answer questions. My hope is that I will be writing this same report in high school!



I love that you are still at the "magical" age. Activities like the Children's museum, Disney World, fun traditions like Elf on the Shelf and pretty much any other adventure you are always up for. You are a great adventurer with us - playing frisbee golf, going for long bike rides, camping, hiking, ice skating or just checking out a new restaurant is always totally fine with you.

Being your mom can bring out a lot of fears in me. I worry - too much. I can't imagine what it would feel like to lose you. The thought of you going through difficult times, pain or heartbreak is almost more than I can bear. I have big hopes and dreams for you. I worry that I might not be a good enough mom sometimes. I know that all of this is normal, but I am working on giving those things over to God and trusting His plan for your life. Please be patient with me as we go, OK? I will work hard to learn more about God's grace, and teach that to you too.

Along those lines, let's agree to forgive each other when we don't live up to the expectations we had for one another. It is hard to let go of our expectations of others, but the reality is we are both going to make mistakes along the way and disappoint each other. Even if we have a "right" to be disappointed, lets work on giving up those "rights" and giving grace instead. It will not always be easy, but it is right.








You are funny. You make Daddy and me laugh all the time! Here are a few stories of things you have done this year that caused us a few giggles!

Tucker covering his mouth with a shocked expression: "Mom- They just said the "S" word.
*me feeling shocked.... thinking, what? Tucker knows what the "S" word is?
Tucker: You shouldn't say the "S" word. Saying "Stupid" isn't nice. 

That's right folks. The "S" word for Kindergartners!

and:

Tucker: Dad, if you are late to school, you get a tootie.
Me: No Tucker, if you are late you get a tardy.
Tucker: Oh yeah Dad. You get a farty.
Anthony: No Tucker; you get a tardy

Next morning:
Tucker: Mom, we better hurry to school. I don't want to get a TURD-Y!

and: