Happy 5th Birthday Sam!

Sam,
       Happy 5th Birthday! I can't believe you are 5. You are no longer in preschool, and off to real school this year. This year has been a big year for you. You learned to ride a bike with no training wheels right after school started. You played Tball this spring. This school year, you learned to read. And most importantly, you became a BIG BROTHER!
       This year I have learned so much about you. I see so many similarities between you and your dad. You are so sweet and kind. You make me laugh daily. You are slow to do everything, because you are in your own world. You enjoy snuggles on the couch and having my undivided attention. At just 4 years old, you can read a room…and work the room. Everyone loves you. You wear a smile all day, every day. You rarely cry or have any kind of melt down. You are smart, funny, loving, respectful, and strong willed. When you decide to do something, there is no holding you back. You don't let "no" stop you. You find another way to get what you want. You are persistent and at times manipulative. You are going to be a very talented man one day.
       You still memorize commercials and love to dress up and pretend. You love legos and your imagination is AMAZING. You love to cook and help me in the kitchen. I always joke and say that you might have your own cooking show on TV, because you talk constantly and love to cook. :) Your handwriting is good for your age. You are gentle with Eli, and you talk to him a very sweet voice. You always call him, "big," and he loves when you talk to him.
       Sam, you are an awesome son, brother, and friend. This year I have really seen you shine among your peers. I am obviously SO proud of you and pray that you grow strong in the Lord, as this world gets more difficult to navigate. Happy 5th Birthday. I pray God allows many more, and I couldn't be more thankful He gave you to me. I love you to the MAX!

LOVE ALWAYS AND FOREVER,
MOM