Drew turns Six





 Dear Drew,

 

Okay, so your six now. What a year you've had. I have to be honest. You're starting to become a little more complex. Some days you are delightfully fun and sweet and eager to please. And some days you are the angst-y middle child that I recognize as myself. You still make me laugh - even on the days you are filled with angst and think that I make rules just to make your life miserable. Or that I don't make any rules for the girls, only you. And life is so unfair! I have a feeling it's going to be a pattern for you that I'm going to fight against for a long time. I understand it, but am frustrated by it just the same. Life is all about perception and if you perceive that I am out to get you... then I will, in fact, seem to be out to get you. I hope that you don't hang on to this pattern. And since I know a thing or two about that mentality, I hope I will be able to help you to see that you are loved and cherished and amazing and we love you just the way you are.

 

This year you started kindergarten. You are friends with every person in your class. I am not surprised one bit by that fact. Your teacher is always reminding me what a kind, sweet boy you are. You are very careful to always do the right thing and use your manners. You are clearly setting a good example for your peers and have already be rewarded for that by being named the Hawk Walker - an award given to kids who are making good choices and setting a good example. I love that you are so good at making friends. But I also love that you have such a strong moral compass. You are very good about following along with fun with your friends. But if they decide to break rules or act crazy, you usually don't go along with it. That is such a good thing. It is so good to be comfortable enough with yourself to know when it's better not to go with the crowd.

 

 I have also learned that you are amazingly good finding friends with good character. At your birthday party this weekend, my house was full of the sweetest boys in your class. That really made me feel great about sending you out into the big, bad world. :)

 

Speaking of going with the crowd, you are pretty obsessed with dressing just like everyone you have deemed "cool" at your school. You mostly go for skater chic...and pull it off quite nicely. In fact, you just got a new baseball cap for your birthday that you wear with a flat bill to the side, cocked at just the right angle to imply total awesomeness. The one gift that you asked for for your birthday was a new pair of shoes. You were very specific. High tops, with a big tongue that you can tuck your jeans behind. You are totally hip, dude.

 

If I had to pick things that you're into right now, I would say: basketball, fashion, and nerf guns. In that order. Your absolute, most favorite thing to do right now is shoot baskets with the neighbor boy. If he isn't home, or isn't outside, you will dribble in our driveway until you see him. And if he isn't home, and their car isn't in the driveway, you shoot baskets by yourself. It's basically the only thing you will ever do by yourself...as you are a kid who likes to be with people. At. All. Times.

 

Drew, happy birthday. You are one super awesome kid. I love you more than you can know. Enjoy being six, dude! I know I will be soaking up every moment I can have with you.

 

I love you.

 

Love,

Mommy (I figure I can get away with being called 'Mommy' by you only a little while longer.) 

  

 

So

So buff and manly!

You're saving your money for a bigger boogie board. I'm not sure it will work at the lake. But, good luck anyway.

You say this is your dog face.

What amazing running form you have.

Still best buds. Also, Drew, you always manage to display your meals on your face. How is that?