five.

In kosty's average day, there are many highs and lows. His birthday was an even more intense version. Anyone remember the Berenstein Bears book, "Too Much Birthday"? All day long, I kept thinking of that book and how we were living it! He was sooooo excited this year. He could barely contain himself for the 3 days leading up to his birthday. Every time he would rip off one of his paper 'birthday' chains, he would squeal with excitement. There was some major anticipation the night before, and he had a hard time falling asleep. He asked me after breakfast on the day before if he could just go to bed so that his birthday would be here quicker. So, falling asleep late + waking up extra early with BIG expectations = major breakdown. He woke at 6 am and came and got us, we all sleepily walked into the kitchen where he ripped into the 4 things we got him (all on his birthday list) in a matter of 8 seconds. When the last one was opened, his eyes were filled with tears, and he said, "that's it?" We tried reminding him that he still had friends & family coming over later on and he just wiped away his tears and said, "I know, I know..." it was SO sad seeing him so disappointed!

Later, his cute friends came over for his first friend party and we did a candy treasure hunt, ate pizza & cake, opened presents, and went to the movie theatre. His request. After the movie, we dropped off the kids and headed home, where all three grandmas came bearing gifts. He opened his gift from Nana, which was a skeleton costume (which he asked for) but it was a different version, and he lost his mind. He had the biggest melt down, and I had to put him in his room to settle down. I was worried that it would only get worse from there, but luckily, about 5 minutes later, he came out with an apology and a more kind version of himself...I could not wait to put him to bed that night. Sheesh.

He gets grossed out very easily lately. While they were all eating pizza, he so sweetly reminded each of them to chew with their mouths closed, not to talk while they were eating, and not to chew too loudly or too close to him. He's really easy going.

Here he is the next morning, happy & well rested, and he decided he LOVED all his gifts. Even the skeleton.

Dear Kosty,

You have changed so much in the past year! You ask me nearly every day if you look bigger, taller, stronger, and when you will have a loose tooth. You also tell me often that you want to be 10 or 12 or 16. You want to grow up fast. You want to work at the Lego Store when you grow up. You love pants. Shorts are not an option in your world. You love spaghetti. You love Lego's. You love to make traps and all sorts of crazy contraptions around the house, which I love. You play outside every single day and you have a big imagination. You are such a perfectionist. You LOVE to draw and color and write phonograms. You are an excellent student, and you are writing your name like a pro. You love Kick Buttowski, Max & Ruby, and Spongebob. You love eating popcorn. And have a hard time with eating "healfy fings", but you love artichokes and raspberries. You love to swim, go to the park, and ride your scooter. You love wrestling/attacking Brayden. You are stubborn, but I have a feeling you will use your stubbornness for good in your life. You have a very hard time with change. Just today you told me "I don't like when things are different." I have noticed it getting better though, slowly but surely. You are self sufficient, smart, and determined. You volunteer for the family prayer every single night. And at every single dinner. You like to dominate in our home, and you are happiest when you are in control :/ You worship your daddy, and you are warming more and more up to me. You have a hard time showing affection (mostly to me) but lately you have been coming up to me randomly and squeezing my legs while gritting your teeth and grunting. Maybe one day those leg squeezes will turn into big hugs? Baby steps. Yesterday morning, I made your pancakes and sat down on the couch. You finished eating and then came in the family room, and were surprised to see me sitting there. Your eyes lit up and you said "MOMMY!" and curled up in my lap for an hour. I was overjoyed. Its not often I am privileged with your sweet affection, and it was so special. Kosty, I love you so much! You are so special! I am so honored to be your mom.

Love,

momma