Six! My baby is 6!

Dear Kamden,

Today, at 12:55pm, you turn six years old. Of course I will say that time has flown since that moment the doctor laid all 8lbs 3 oz of you on my chest because it really and truly has.

You went from a baby with chubby cheeks constantly signing "eat" to this handsome boy. Not toddler, not preschooler but boy. I blinked, seriously.

And what a boy you are. Full of spunk and energy and joy. Pure unadulterated joy. It exudes from you most of the time but lately, as you mature, your temper is coming out. I have no idea who you got that from (looks around innocently).

Most of the time, however, your smile is contagious. Your laugh lifts my heart and spirit. Your adorable face is a beacon of happiness. No matter what I am doing, I see your face and I can't help but smile.

I cannot imagine our family without you. We now know that you are a miracle, that Mommy's fertility was on the down slide when you came along. This thought often this takes my breath away. Life without you in it? I don't even want to fathom. You completed this family in the most perfect way possible.

This year was a big one for you. Your started Kindergarten back in September as very shy introverted little guy who barely said peep for months in class.

You came out this past Friday a changed boy. At your Kindergarten graduation, we saw you joking and laughing with your classmates, sing every song and do (almost) every action and answer a question for the teacher in front of not only your entire class but the 50 or so parents and grandparents there too. That your teacher selected you first to answer was a sign of how proud she is of how far you have come too. Though her pride can't hold a candle to Mommy and Daddy's.

This spring, you started soccer. Gone was the shy boy who wouldn't even go into the gym when we tried to take you to Tae Kwon Do in September. The first day of soccer you raced out onto the field and played your heart out. On the field, you become aggressive (in a good way, no goons here) and assertive. The change in you is phenomenal. Soccer is your thing. It's been so wonderful to watch you find something you love. And I have to say that this Mommy gets pretty excited to watch you score goals and make spectacular dives on defence. However, I promise not to become one of those competitive mothers coaching from the sidelines (Daddy is good at keeping me in line).

Six years old, you are. And what fun it's been to watch you change and grow over these past six years.

While you changed by leaps and bounds, your need for a steady stream of snacks has not. While you no longer sign "eat" when you want a snack and instead verbalize what you would like, you are still and always will be my little snacker.

You are a wonderful son, brother and friend.
We love you, sweet boy, exactly as you are.

Happy birthday,

Love Mommy