Our "Prince" Turns 5

While not a real prince, our first born and the first prince of our hearts turned FIVE this past weekend.

Yes, I said 5.

Cinco.

This many ✋.

So. Many. Things. Are. Happening.

-Bubba will go to kindergarten come this August.

-He says he can now chew bubble gum. (I was told I made that rule but somehow I've forgotten it.)

-He showers and dresses himself

-He can unbuckle his car seat. Which is really helpful when I'm trying to get all three of them out. It is not helpful, however, when he unbuckles when we pull into the neighborhood. #ThatsIllegal #StopTryingToGetMeThrownInJailSon

-He is *almost* too big to pick up

-He goes to playdates

-He is able to (mostly) build his own Legos.

-His favorite band is Imagine Dragons (I've done something right)

-He falls asleep to music instead of his sound machine

-He can *almost* write his name

What happened to my little baby!?

I know that's a bit dramatic, but really. I blinked and he grew 3 inches. Literally. His PJ pants look like he's THE MOST prepared one for a flood in our house.

If I sit too long and think, my eyes start leaking a little. We have to remind ourselves that he's only five, even though he does seem worlds older than his siblings. It's hard not to expect so much more out of him. (I get it now, Mom. First kids are tough. Consider this my official apology.) They're navigating life and we're navigating parenthood. These kids don't come with how-to books nor do they follow what the all-knowing-Google says they should be doing.

Fun side note, I once Googled how many blocks he should be able to stack by a certain age. I believe he was somewhere around 18 months old. Boy, how times have changed. I'm just lucky they're not eating toilet paper and decorating the walls with stickers...yet. And no, I don't remember how many blocks it was supposed to be.

I wish a few things for Bubba this year.

1) To be a good friend

I would love for him to practice compassion for others (especially his sister, but that may be asking a lot). It's hard to teach but once learned and forever practiced makes someone a good friend and kind soul.

2) To know he is loved and that we appreciate his talents

While we are strict with him, I want him to know above all else that he is loved unconditionally. He is very inquisitive, and I do not want that part of his personality to be smushed.

3) To Take Risks

I want him to feel confident in trying new things because he believes in himself. I want him to take risks, fail and learn. I want him to know that no matter the outcome, we will be proud that he tried. We will celebrate his wins and we will commiserate with him in his losses.

We love you, Bubba.

May this year be your best yet!

Be GREAT!

Mommy & Daddy