the number five

Dear Jackson,

You turned five years old a couple of weeks ago. I found myself viewing this birthday as a significant milestone, as many parents do. Five means kindergarten is around the corner. Five means you are at the end of the preschool era. And Five means you are halfway to double digits, my little boy. Halfway to double digits!

Five is a shock to my parental system, a catalyst to stop and think, wow, have five years really passed? Five is a reason to stare at your baby pictures, and reminisce on the way your chubby cheeks and grinning face made you look like the sweetest, most cheerful baby I had ever laid eyes on; or the toddler pictures of you running, jumping, and exploring the world around you eagerly, with a glint of excitement and mischief in your eye, foreshadowing of the playful spirit that was just beginning to shine through.

Five means I’m remembering all that you’ve taught me, and all that I’ve discovered alongside you. Five means I recognize that I see the world through your eyes, in a whole new focused, deliberate fashion. Five is all about the realization that we are slowly uncovering the boy you are becoming, and the man that you will grow to be. Five is full of wonder, delight, growth, discovery, laughter, joy, lessons, creativity, and imagination.

Five is new territory, and there is much more down the line for us to learn and experience as you grow and develop. I’m thrilled to be along for the journey as you become the person you were always meant to be, and to share the love and joy that has always been meant for you, from the deepest part of my heart and very being. I love you, Stinky Face.

Mommy