5 Years

(I started this right after Garrett's birthday last month, but I'm just now getting around to finishing it.)

Dear Garrett,

You are now 5 years old. I can't hardly believe it, but you've been telling me your age constantly so it must be true. You are most definitely the light of my life (alongside your dad and your brother of course). Some of the things you tell me just blow me away. I'm always in awe of what you know and what you've learned. You don't talk about kindergarten much, but I can say that I'm not quite ready for you to start yet. I'm pretty sure you'll love it though. You enjoy most opportunities to spend time with other kids your age and you love to learn (most of the time.)

Here's what you're up to lately:

•You weigh about 40 pounds and you're roughly 45 inches tall.

•You have taken to biting your fingernails lately. I'm not sure why.

•You're at the beginning stages of loving sports. You seem to be a lefty with throwing a ball, but you do pretty much everything else with your right hand.

•You're very competitive and do NOT like to lose. I'm trying to get it through to you that "it's just a game" but you're not buying it.

•While you have your moments of inability to sit still, you're finally showing me that you can sit still when necessary. We went to our first story hour Wednesday morning at the library and you did really well sitting still while the librarian read 3 (3!? Really? These are preschoolers. That seemed way too many.) books. You even contributed to the conversation when appropriate (and you would have just kept on talking if I didn't shush you.)

•You are a great brother. Rather than arguing with me over the fact that Cooper is your brother, like you used to, you now tell me I can't do or say certain things to Cooper because "he's my brother". It's nice to see brotherly love going on, but you're learning quickly that your argument isn't going to get you far with me.

•The other night at church, a boy in your class ripped your "scroll" that you had made. (This boy was very proud of this and made sure to come up and tell me that he ripped your scroll when I picked you up...) You really surprised me by acting as if it was no big deal. I was so proud of you for not crying about it or throwing a fit or hitting the other boy for doing it (I was kinda tempted on the last one, I will admit.)

•Your handwriting is getting better all of the time. You can write almost all of the letters, legibly, and you like to practice writing our names.

•You are very determined to learn how to tie your shoes soon. You want to practice a lot, but so far it just results in a big knot.

You are such a great kid. Always willing to help out. Very much a "rule-follower" (when you're of a mind to do so.)

We love you so much!