David Turns Six

Dear David,

And seemingly without any warning, you turned six. I have said more times than I can count from birth to ten I think parents need two years for every one of their child's life. Things just change too quickly and just as you think you have figured out one stage and are really reveling in it that stage has passed and you are on to another stage. This is so true with you my sweet David. I have loved you at each of your "stages" so far, but I just need a little more time in each one. This year you have grown up so much. You started Kindergarten and they changed Kindergarten to full-day for the first time this year as well. With just a month or two of warning, I had to wrap my head around you not just starting school, but starting full time. There was more than a few tears shed over this inevitability. However, just like most things you have adapted and thrived in your new experience. You have learned so much. You started not even knowing you alphabet and you can now sound out words, figure out pretty complex math problem (for a Kindergartener) in your head and write like a champ. Plus, you have made lots of friends.

Kindness is a gift of yours David. It is easy for you. Natural. You think of others. You know you words and actions have meaning and consequences. You remember the names and details about others. You will talk to strangers and make everyone feel comfortable around you. I've told you this before but you are just "good company". You are still a chatterbox. I love the clever and wise things you come up with. Here are a few examples:

David: Dad, who is your favorite person in heaven?

Dave: Um, Grandpa Reeder.

David: I would choose God.


Me: (while talking about basketball with David) Sometimes basketball will be easy for you and sometimes it will be hard.

David:Yep, but when it's hard I'll just have to pull it off.

I think the only person you are doubtful about a friendship with is Benji. You aren't mean to him at all, in fact you are pretty kind most the time, but you mainly ignore him. I told you the other day that when Benjamin turns three that he will be your best friend. You replied, "I'm no so sure about that...". I know that you will figure things out though because you are that type of person. Your sisters on the other hand, you adore them and they adore you. You play all the time which always surprises me because you haven't ever adopted playing with girl toys. You just do your own thing right along side of them. Consequentially, you are always surrounded by the girls. Benji will definitely come in handy once you get sick of this dynamic.

David, you still love all things sporty. You've played golf, tennis, basketball and started soccer this year. You love soccer and improved so much over the season. You also are a little embarrassed by your spiderman obsession now and have moved on fully to Pokemon. You draw jets almost everyday, but your constant talk about your airport and life as a pilot has faded. My boy, you have been skiing for two winters now and you took off this year. You beg to do the big hills and challenge yourself and are Dad's shadow on the mountain. You can outlast pretty much everyone, except maybe your cousin Logan.

I love you so much and am so grateful that you unabashedly tell me too how much you love me. In fact, you told me a few days ago that you love me and Dad more now that you are six. The feeling is mutual sweet boy. My love grows impossibly for you every year.

Love,

Mom