5 is BIG

blow! (firetruck cake, with Krispy Kreme wheels)

Oh, can there be any doubt? 5 is BIG. Our big 5 year old remains our little snuggler, though, whose kiss store is often open and who freely proclaims his love for all of us. This little man has surprised us from day one, doing pretty much everything in his own, unconventional way. This began with growing to a gargantuan size en utero and then giving us a first year that was both incredibly difficult and deeply joyful. Who can forget allergies and eczema and endless trips to the doctor, up all night all year long, wrinkle-nosed smiles, bowie mommy and the bottom-scoot-instead-of crawl? (His mommy will certainly never forget.) God was with us in tangible ways through it all, and we could not be more delighted with the gift God saw fit to give us. 

Happy, happy birthday, beautiful boy. May the Lord bless you as you bless us each and every day. 

A few images of this birthday...

last night of 4!

morning cake in bed

birthday morning Cheerios, thanks to a timely package from Uncle Tom and Aunt Cortney!

celebrating with his favorite people at a fabulous play venue

watch out criminals of Bangkok!

I thought I'd add this one for humor's sake...taken a few days after the big birthday, when we were finally going to get around to taking down the Christmas tree...but these three simply were not ready to let the Christmas spirit go. The tree was protected by fierce mercenaries- please don't miss the blur of the whirling nun chucks in the foreground. I was able to overcome these forces and the tree is tucked away awaiting the next 'deck the halls' night, but it didn't come down without a fight.