Happy Birthday Winston!

I cannot believe you are six years old today, my dear son. Where does the time go? See how much you’ve grown.

This past year has been such a huge one for you with many milestones, most of which were achieved because of your drive to outdo your older brother. For example, you decided that this would be the year you scaled the climbing wall at REI, and twice you came to within a toehold of reaching the bell on the nearly 55 ft. high wall. The first time you told us that, from where you were at the top, we appeared like ants on the ground. Funny that: you’re so little, that from where we stood on the ground, you looked like an ant to us, too.

You started kindergarten, at which you’re excelling. I’m so proud of the way you have learned how to navigate your environment, gaining more independence. You’ve made friends. You’re learning how to read and are mastering the lost art of shoe-tying. Soon, you won’t even need me.

Spending time in the kitchen with you has become more fun. You’re a great helper and have become quite accomplished at measuring and mixing. Even though you’d rather stay home in your jammies all day, I’m glad when you consent to keep me company running errands.

After all, you are adventurous, especially if food is involved. It was fun watching you eat salmon roe sushi, one fish egg at a time—“Dabby dots of jelly. Pretty on my plate and yummy in my belly.”

I’m pretty excited for all the things the next year will bring!

Happy Birthday, Winston. Six. Years. Old.