Five Years Old
| Posted in Baby Hulk | 8 Comments » |
I took this picture of you last night so I could have one lasting memory of you at four. I can’t look at this picture without wanting to hug you forever. It truly catches who you are. A boy who is so sweet and caring. A boy who just wants the love and approval of those around him.
Today was your day, my sweet boy. And you knew it. You did everything you wanted from breakfast until bedtime. You celebrated life as only a five year old can. With true passion.
This has been a big year for you. You’ve grown so much since last September. You’re bigger, you read, you have your own interests, and most important, you got a baby sister. I’d have to say this was the highlight of your year. The picture of you holding her for the first time makes my heart melt.
It’s hard being in the middle. You have two brothers on each side of you that know how to push your buttons. I’ll never forgot the day this past summer where you cried and cried because No David said I was “his mother”. You took it to mean that I wasn’t your mom and you were just so defeated. You sat in my arms for twenty minutes having the cry of your life.
Baby Hulk, you will always be my little boy. The one I held all day long when you were in NICU. I knew looking down at you what a special little boy you were. You never have to worry about my love for you. It’s always there. Always.
Thinking of you on your birthday fills me with joy. You wanted Double Daves for lunch, no school, no veggies, no mass, tortellini, chocolate cake and a bike party with your best buddy. The look on your face as you opened your presents, as you blew out your candles and as we prayed for you was so special. My favorite part? How you looked at me after you opened each gift. You were seeking some sort of approval. Don’t ever worry. You’ve got it.
I have to remember how much that approval means to you. How you crave that extra attention that others in this house might not care about. You feel. Truly feel. And you love. You are generous. You are thoughtful.
I wouldn’t be a good Catholic mom if I didn’t note this story from the past year: one day you looked at me and got so sad. When I asked what was wrong, you were worried that you wouldn’t be able to perform the miracle at mass. My heart almost stopped. That you even thought about being a priest makes me so proud.
Baby Hulk, it’s hard being you sometimes. You truly get so frustrated over the smallest things. If there was anything I’d wish to change it would be that you learn to handle some of your emotions. I hate to see you get so upset over shoes or a brother.
I am so excited for school this year. We’re off to a great start. You make both of us look really good when it comes to learning. Your reading is outstanding and you are quick to learn new things. I am working really hard on making this year fun for you. To create a true love of learning. I don’t want to push you. I want to follow your lead.
While I cherish the four year old that you were and will always smile when I see your four year old face from above, I am anxious for the memories we will make at five.
I love you my sweetest little boy. You were the answer to many fervent prayers. You had three in heaven praying just for you and one important saint, your namesake. Always remember them. Saint Gerard, pray for my son today and always.
May God bless you always. Mom
From Jenn:
Oh happy birthday! This post is so sweet Nicole, and I know that an older Baby Hulk will love looking back to see the loving words from “his mother” always!
From Dad:
Just make sure he knows that I love him lots!!!!! And so does Aunt Mary.
We hope that he had a great day on his BD and that he has many more.
May God Bless him always.
From reagan:
BEEN A FAN OF LANCE FOR SO LONG, I ALMOST FEEL LIKE I KNOW YOU AND THE YOUNGUNS’…BLESS YOU FOR YOUR MESSAGE TO YOUR LOVING AND BELOVED SON.CANNOT EVEN IMAGINE HAVING A HOUSEFUL OF KIDS….BUT, I BELIEVE YOU MUST
HAVE BEEN BORN TO BE A MOM…
From Nicole:
Thanks, Jenn! I hope he likes this. He was so darn sweet on his birthday.
From Nicole:
Thanks, Dad! He loves you guys so much.
From Nicole:
Thanks, Reagan. I do love being a mom and honestly feel I don’t have any other talents besides this. That said, I had a really bad week last week and had to reboot this weekend. (hate bad mom weeks.) But not on BH’s day. His day was perfect.
Thanks for listening to Lance! And not hating the stories he tells about all of us.
From Nikki Andrews:
Nik, I am having the worst day at work and when that happens, I read your blog to escape if even for a second. For some reason, this entry about BH made me cry (happy, sweet tears). It was so sweet and thoughtful. Maybe because I have a 4 year old boy at home that I never want to grow up but I think it is because, from what you typed, I see my daughter in him. She is the same way and I worry almost every second of the day that no one sees how special and unique she is but me and her father. I worry all day long that the girls in her class will take away her light because she also seeks approval so much….and let’s face it, little girls can be cruel! So your message to him hit the spot for me. He is a blessed little guy to have you and Lance in his life. I am so glad he had his perfect day. Happy birthday little guy and many more!
From Nicole:
Thanks so much, Nikki. It’s hard when you know how special a child is beyond the normal “every parent thinks their child is special” line of thought. Kids are mean, and the thought of not being there for BH every second makes me sick. A lot of people have commented on his September birthday and how bad that is for him to be home another year. I couldn’t disagree more. Sure he would be fine with the books, but I often think he would get eaten alive with a bunch of kids. THanks for your kind words. I’ll think of your sweet girl in prayer tonight.