And now five...

Dear Caleb,

The countdown had been going on for quite some time. Bedtime each night brought, "Mommy, how many sleeps till I'm 5?"  Oh to have a picture of the smile on your face Friday night when I was finally able to tell you that it was the last sleep.  Saturday morning bright and early I heard the familiar pitter-patter of your feet coming in to my room.  I knew at once that you were indeed a year older as you showed restraint and whispered (instead of yelled), "Hey, I'm FIVE!"  Then of course you had to know what time we were going to the jumphouse...

Your first birthday party was at the perfect venue for you.  From your very first slide

to your last bite of cake your face was beaming!  The very first time I asked you who you wanted to come to your party you responded, "the one with the purse" (who did of course make it), Santa Claus and Jesus.  I was thankful that you understood that Santa starts getting busy around the end of summer and that Jesus would certainly attend in your heart and in the hearts of your friends.  Once we had that straight you came up with a list of buddies and they were all there ~ save your cousins who live across the state.

You so loved being the center of attention.  Oh and I must point out that you specifically requested that you and Daniel wear your big/little brother shirts today.  You two may have your share of scuffles, but it sure made Mommy's heart smile that you wanted to match him on your birthday.

Your smile is contagious.  Even on my most "storm cloud days" I can't help but lighten up a bit when I see that grin of yours.

And your giggle?  I'm quite certain that it could make even the queen's guards at Windsor Palace crack a smile (and that's not an easy thing to do!)

At "four turning five" you want to spend time helping Daddy with odd jobs around the house, yet you still love all things Lightning McQueen, Thomas the Train, and Super Why.  Oh, and I mustn't forget to mention how much you LOVE to play games.  Nearly every night after dinner you request to play a round of Zingo, Sequence, or Hi Ho Cherry O.

Your friends knew you well and selected gifts that made you smile.  From Lincoln Logs to Legos and Cars Playdoh to a motorized James train, each present brought about that famous Caleb grin.

At our house the birthday person gets their choice of restaurants for a coveted dinner out.  You wanted to go where you could have both dumping soup and jello.  So off to the Chinese buffet we went, and you put a hurtin' on both of your chosen menu items.

And even though you had a cake earlier in the day, we headed out to our local frozen custard place to end the day.  Because what's a birthday without ice cream, right?  By the way, yours was vanilla with sprinkles and "emmies," because that is your favorite.

Last year on this day you asked me if you were taller than Darcy yet since you were older.  You were so crestfallen when I told you, "not yet."  But you've done a lot of growing since then.  These days you have an ever so slight edge on her when it comes to height.  

And that?  Makes you smile.

Oh Caleb.  My life has not been the same since you walked into it nearly three years ago.  Thank you for teaching me what "snakes and snails and puppy dog tails," AND "Momma's boy" really mean.  

I love you to the moon and back,

Mommy