Someone is a year older...

Dear Camron,

Today you are turning 6. It is a bittersweet day. On one hand, I don't want my beautiful, compassionate, happy and healthy boy growing up. On the other hand, you bring so much joy to our lives and watching you grow up is a pleasure. Maybe just don't grow up so fast.

I've been teasing you the past few days about taking away May 19th... just skipping the entire day altogether every year so that you never get older. I have you convinced that I'd like to keep you small forever. But the truth is, I have loved watching you grow up... to see that spark in your eyes, to see you make those connections, to hear the logic that comes out of your mouth, to watch you overcome fears and setbacks. So I guess what I'm saying is, I don't mind you growing up, as long as you'll always continue to give me kisses, snuggle up next to me on the couch, come to me for comfort and love, let me wipe away your tears, let me tuck you in at night, hold my hand, skip with me, tell me you love me, and giggle with me over every silly thing.

The past year has been a year of firsts and milestones...

Read... and read and read and read
Start kindergarten
Become more talkative
First karate belt
Shower all by yourself
Swing without help
First lost tooth

And some familiar territory... like you still love trains and space, and how you're content to quietly read and learn. You are a sponge.

I love that you're coming into your own, that you still reach for my hand when we walk together, that you amaze me every single day... and I even love that I'm always having to dig "bug eggs" (seeds) and rocks out of your pockets before I do laundry and dump piles of sand out of your shoes. It wouldn't be a productive day without some sand, rocks, and seeds.

And I love how you view yourself:

You had to come up with a noun at school, and your chose yourself. Along with a diagram of Camron, you described yourself as "medium" and "fun", and said: "I love myself! It is not fun when you are not born." I couldn't have said it better. And I love that you used an exclamation mark! I hope you are always this self aware of what a wonderful person you are and know that you're loved by many.

I love you, my Camron. I hope you have a wonderful 6th birthday.

We celebrated Camron's birthday two days early so his dad could participate, which means I already have birthday pics for posting!