1 More Month of 4

Dear Sammy,

Time goes faster for grownups, and even faster than that for moms. It’s hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that you’re almost 5 years old. It can’t be possible. And yet, here you are, getting taller by the nanosecond and smarter by the hour. Even your dad noticed hair on your legs the other night, and it blew him away. Where did this boy come from when we had a little baby just a minute ago?

This month has had its share of challenges. You were such a trooper to go through your third ear tube surgery this winter that when I saw those tubes starting to come out – after only 5 months when they were supposed to stay in for years – well, flames on the sides of my face. I desperately want to save you from even more surgical intervention, especially when it’s been such a temporary fix. Thank goodness you don’t have fluid issues right now, and I’ve got all my fingers and toes (and those of most or your family members) crossed that they won’t resurface.

You have your very own computer now, courtesy of Grandpa, and it’s like your new best friend. Since you won’t take a nap anymore, you spend a little time “resting” by playing games (school and parent-approved games, of course), and it amazes me how fast you learn. You spend the rest of the day recapping what you’ve seen, what songs you’ve sung, and what puzzles you’ve finished. Your favorites seem to involve matching and hunting for hidden pictures, and you’re a whiz. I’m hoping you’ll willingly share these skills and help me sort socks.

Thankfully, the fear of water you suddenly developed last month has disappeared as quickly as it came. Swimming is almost an essential activity in the summer heat around here, and your sloppy joy of splashing around is contagious. I’m sorry I didn’t put you in lessons this season, but you seem to be learning little bits here and there. It just seems that as long as we waited for summer to get here, it’s rushing by too fast to catch anything for long. I’m not worried that you won’t learn how, because you’re pretty good at picking these things up.

We’re off on one another adventure, and it involves sitting in a car for several days. I know you’ll have a blast on this trip, and make a friend out of every relative you meet. I even think you’ll enjoy the car ride, as long as your sister don’t drive you (and us) completely batty. You do have an escape – riding with your grandparents for a few legs – but don’t leave us for too long, because I can’t wait to hear what you have to say about what you see out your window.

And so we ramp up to celebrate. 5 is pretty big, in so many ways. You’ll have to tell me what you want to do so we can have as much fun as possible. But then again, you’re the kind of kid that finds the fun in anything. Even in a hugging war. And, my boy, that is the best thing about you.

Love,

Mom