Yes, I Burst Out in Tears Sometimes...

Dear Jacob,
Today is your 6th birthday. You now get to use 2 hands to show people your age - this is a big deal!

In fact, this entire last year has been full of "big deals:"

We started your 5th year of life at Disney World. Braver and taller, you were able to go on more rides and enjoy "The Happiest Place on Earth" to the fullest, which pretty much describes how you enjoy (and protest!) everything.

We went to Florida with Mimi and you got to see your Gigi and two of your great-uncles. You got to see dolphins for the first time, and you learned the finer points of nude art.

Over the summer, you made it across the swimming pool all by yourself and finally grasped the concept of floating on your back. We took you fishing and hiking and camping and you loved that all of it was stuff your Dad "taught" you.

You learned how to take the sheets off your bed and put new ones on and that, if you stopped wetting the bed, you wouldn't have to do that anymore.

You reaped the rewards of the Tooth Fairy (twice). You learned how to tell time on an analog clock. You memorized all the words to Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA." You can read a book to me all by yourself. You discovered that tennis is a sport that you enjoy and are really good at. You endured a spinal tap, Adenovirus, and a double ear-infection in a 2-week time frame. You can button your own shirts and pants and, more importantly, zip your own fly. You can make yourself a sandwich. You understand that Christmas and Easter aren't only about magical beings that bring presents.

All these new lessons, discoveries and experiences that come with growing up. And yet you still sit in our laps, hold our hands, and let us smother you with kisses.

As I look back over this list, I'm realizing that it's not the accomplishments that are "big deals." It's you. You are The Big Deal.

Happy Birthday, Jacob. I love you so much, and I can't wait to see what Big Deals Year 6 brings!