To Dylan On His 6th Birthday

Dear Dylan,

Today you are six!  This fact seems bizarre to me, and yet at the same time... completely right.  Something started happening back in September.  You suddenly seemed so much taller, leaner, and more mature.  Maybe it has something to do with school?  You are in kindergarten now, and it seems to be going very well.  You don't complain about going, like you used to do with preschool.  You tell me more about your day, although I usually have to ask a lot of questions to get the information out of you.  You don't want to get up in the morning, though!  You are "SO tired" that Daddy usually drags you out of bed.  You don't seem to mind wearing the uniform, even on chapel days, when you have to wear a tie.  One of the things you hate to do, though, is change your clothes when you get home.  To you, this is a huge chore, and a waste of valuable play time.

Play time has become very sacred to you since you have less of it now.  There are times that you are content to play on your own, busily carrying out one of your plans.  Your play often involves recreating things you've done or seen.

You love a challenge.  When we got you a hula hoop, and your friend next door, could do it better than you could, you practiced and practiced until you were a pro.  When you saw a show about Speed Stackers you wanted to buy them and learn to stack the cups yourself.  Then, we had to get a paddle ball (also on that show), so you could try that.  You love to try new things and go new places.  You are not afraid to take risks.  Not many things scare you.  In fact, I'm not sure I can think of anything!

Although you don't giggle as much as you used to, you still like to laugh, and you have a good sense of humor.  I love it when we share an inside joke, like "Chicken!", or "How Not To Feed Your Family Dinner".  "Chicken!" came about when Daddy and I were deep in conversation at the dinner table on evening, and you suddenly blurted out "Chicken!"  You wanted to say something about Chicken Little, but forgot what you wanted to say.  "How Not To Feed Your Family Dinner" came about when I forgot to turn on the crock pot one night and we came home to an uncooked meal.  You thought of a great name for a cookbook and made us laugh when you said "Yummies for Dummies".

You are really a good reader these days!  The books sent home from school (and the rest of the homework for that matter) are too easy for you, but that's how you like it.  That way, you can get it done quickly and get back to playing!

You still love math and sports.  You played t-ball in the spring, and soccer this fall.  You enjoyed t-ball, but soccer seems to be a better fit for you.  At this age, the coaches don't keep score, but of course, you do.

You are such a sweet boy, Dylan.  One day, Daddy told you the story about the time he sent me flowers at work and someone stole them.  You got up and drew me a picture of flowers saying that I should have flowers.  You are so sweet to Daddy, too.  When we are out, you often ask if we can buy him a Hershey bar, since he loves them, rather than asking for candy for yourself.

You have an innocence and a sweetness that I hope you keep for a while longer.  You still climb in my lap occasionally for a snuggle, and even though your long limbs are barely contained in the space, those moments are my favorite and I cherish them.  I love you so much and I am so proud of you.

Love,
Mommy