A Very Merry Unbirthday!

I wasn't blogging much when we celebrated Jack's 5th birthday this year, so a half-birthday is just as good, right? Well, no, but it's going to have to do this year.

Where to start about my little Jack-man? He has changed my life! When this little man came into our home, it was clear within a week or two that everything we thought we knew about being parents had changed. That hasn't changed. He is busy; he likes to climb and he is into everything! That being said, he is wicked-smart, sweet as can be and loves everyone.

Some of my favorite things about Jack:

• He loves to snuggle with his mom. When my girls were little, they weren't really into being held and loved all that much. Jack has always been a cuddly boy and he still loves to climb into bed with me and snuggle.
• He is uber-coordinated. This boy learned to ride a two-wheeler at 3 and has no fear. In fact, the only time I worry about him is when someone tries to "help" him. That throws off his groove. Amazingly for a 5-year-old, he knows his own limits.
• He loves his dad. He is a great helper.... and not just in the ceremonial sense. Jack earnestly looks for and fills needs. He is always wanting to dress like his dad and do the things his dad does. I hope that this always stays the same.
• He is a social butterfly. He is just so sure that everyone loves him, and most everyone does. It never fails that someone has a "Jack story" for me. He is truly a ray of sunshine.
• I find even the naughtiest of things he does, adorable. Below are a few pictures of some of Jack's exploits.

Simply said, I adore this boy. He is the bright spot in my day and he never fails to make me happy that I'm his mother. I guess in some ways, I was always a little bit envious of the relationship my mom had with my brothers (I'm not anymore). However, after having Jack, and now Will, I think the mother-son relationship is so special and I am so grateful that I have these little guys in my life.