Dearest Scorch-

As hard as it is for me to accept, you turned 5.  5 seems so old to me- you’re not a infant, or a toddler, or a pre-schooler- kiddo, you’re almost a kindergartener! Sometimes I look at you and I still see that chubby cheeked baby that you once were.  You may have lost your cheeks, but you still have your belly laugh that never fails to make me laugh right along with you.

As much as I may miss your sweet baby cheeks, I have to say- we are loving this 5 year old you.  You amaze us every day with how much you know- you can count to 100, you can write all your letters, you’re learning how to sound out words and write them, you know simple math! I wish we could take all the credit for your intelligence, but let’s face it- it takes a village and you have a great one around you.  Us,Mary, your school, your family- you are loved by so many people!

This year you’re going to preschool every day for a half day.  You’re in a huge class- something I wasn’t too thrilled about at the start of the year. But you know what? You’re thriving! You love going to school every day and having this many kids has been great for you as you learn to navigate all the craziness that is making, keeping and even losing friends.  It’s hard to watch you figure this out, Butters, knowing there is little we can do to help but so far you’re doing just fine.

Scorch, day in and day out, you’re a joy.  I simply can’t imagine what life was like before we had you in it.  You’re sweet and funny and gentle- but you’re also all boy.  If there is dirt, you want to roll in it. If there is a ball around, you want to hit it.  If there is grass, you want to run on it.  We couldn’t be more proud of you and I’m so excited to watch you grow!