James' 5th Birthday Letter

Dear James,

I cannot believe that you are now a 5 year old! All of my photo memories are popping up this week and making me wish that I could snuggle that little baby boy again. I miss rocking you to sleep (although every once in awhile you'll fall asleep on me still), and the little sounds you used to make. I try to convince you and your brother to stay little, but you keep insisting that you have to grow up. Although, you promised me that you'll always be my baby.

4 was a crazy year for you.

We all survived our first (and hopefully ONLY) tornado ever. I'll never forget sitting on the floor in the basement hovering over the top of you as I prayed that God would keep us safe. It was scary. We were all scared, but you and Daniel handled it like champs, although we were very jumpy for quite awhile. You named the tornado, "Tommy" because of the Taylorville mascot. For months you talked about Tommy every single day. I've noticed in recent months that you don't bring it up as much, which makes me thankful.

8 days after the tornado, you took your first airplane ride to California for Aunt Erica and Uncle Chris' wedding. You were very excited to fly...until the plane started racing down the runway, and the sounds of the plane taking off sounded a lot like the tornado did. You screamed. You screamed bloody murder. We survived though!

You got to experience fire alarms blaring at midnight at our condo. You got to see the ocean. Then you were an adorable ring bearer at the wedding. Plus you got to visit Lego Land and absolutely LOVED it. 

Christmas night you started getting sick. Daniel was already sick with strep. It took me almost a week to convince anyone to really help you, as we kept getting told you were okay and just had a virus. The mom in me told me that you were not okay, and I finally got the ER to listen to me. You had strep, influenza, and were pretty severely dehydrated. After 2 bags of fluid, they decided to transport you to Springfield, so you took your first ambulance ride. We rode together, and then rang in the new year at St. John's. We spent 2 nights before you were finally feeling better!

You finally had a calm few months before we got busy again.

In May, you "graduated" 3 year old preschool at DMCC. You totally rocked the whole preschool thing.

Then you got to be a ring bearer in Aunt Nen's and Uncle James' wedding, and did an awesome job again.

Our summer was kind of crazy, but we still found time to have fun. We went to the park pool a couple of times and you absolutely loved it. We spent time in Iowa at Mimi and Pa's house and started a new 4th of July tradition. You loved the fireworks. You always have!

You got glasses! I still can't get over how handsome you look in them. And you were happy that you didn't see "two of things" anymore!

Mommy was pretty excited that you'd be starting 4 year old preschool, and I'd have a few mornings to myself, but God had other plans, and through all of that, I became your preschool teacher! You come to school with me every day, and even enjoy the days we have the 3 year old class. You're an awesome helper, and you've won the hearts of the church staff too.

You:

• still have a huge love for foxes...and you've passed the love onto me.
• have a big heart, and I love when you put your arm around my neck when you're sitting next to me.
• are an insanely picky eater. Some days I'm ready to pull my hair out. Other days, I'm happy if you lick something new and then eat a pop tart. Maybe one day you'll eat. 
• love your big brother to pieces and look up to him, but you also can be arch rivals. You guys drive me insane with your fighting and then 5 minutes later you're giggling together.
• are literally one of the funniest people I know. You're so dramatic and silly. You make me laugh every day.
• listen to a wide variety of music including, Green Day, The Beatles, and the Backstreet Boys.
• are an incredible reader. You read 2nd and 3rd grade sight words with ease. It never ceases to amaze me.

Lately you have started asking me more questions about God, Jesus and Heaven. I don't think it will be long before you're ready to ask Jesus into your heart. I pray that you continue to enjoy church keep on loving Jesus and others.

I love you so much Jamesy Michael. Thanks for always being my baby.

Love,
Mommy