Happy 5th Birthday Steven!

Happy Birthday sweet boy!!!! 

For the last several weeks all we have heard about is how badly you want a trampoline.

"Wouldnt a trampoline be fun? I could jump on it!"

"If I had a trampoline I would clean my room."

"All I ever wanted, my entire life, was a trampoline."

"I bet I could jump on a trampoline and reach the stars."

"I dont want any other toys for my birthday. I dont even want a party...I just want a trampoline." 

"Im sorry Mommy, what did you say?

 I couldnt hear you because I was thinking about how fun a trampoline would be." 

and my favorite.......

"Why did they bring Jesus Frankenstein, gold, and fur? 

I bet he would have rather had a trampoline.

 I know I would." 

You really sold this thing kid. We told you we didnt know. Afterall, Mommy has had 3 knee surgeries as a result of trampoline fun(and crappy genes). But, I also dont want to be a wacky-do, overprotective Mom. Ive been reading about "Free Range Parenting." I would say I dont agree with this parenting style 100% but I do like some of the logic involved. Our society likes to prevent a lawsuit at massive extremes and it kind of makes parents over-think and over-protect our children to the point that they arent really living. Daddo and I have never been over-protective. We let you take falls and make mistakes. We believe that is the best way to learn and to gain pride and confidence in what you do. 

But, believe me...when you cross the street to go to play with your friends we are right there at that window making sure you look both ways and hold your brothers hand. 

So, we talked about it. Thought long and hard and eventually decided to get you your precious trampoline WITH an enclosure so your ITP self does not jump off the side and crack your bleeding head open. If that sounds graphic, you should see the images that were in my head. Daddo stayed home from church today to set up the trampoline so we could surprise you when we got home from church. Unfortunately my plan for an enclosure backfired. It didnt fit the trampoline!!! So, Daddo took it back and now we are waiting for the correct one to come in. 

But in the meantime, you sure are enjoying this...... 

Look at that face! That is sheer joy while jumping on that thing! There is no way I could show you this thing and say..."Okay, I know you're excited...now stay off it until the correct enclosure net comes in!"

After jumping for a while you and Shawn came in and patiently waitied for our family and your best friend to arrive to celebrate your big day. I use the word "patiently" very loosely. 

Now, in the theme of tradition Bapa and Grandma got you a .22 rifle for your 5th birthday. It is the same thing Shawn got for his birthday. They let you open it as soon as they got here and it went straight in the safe where it will stay until we go shooting and you are taught even more on gun safety. But, ya...it will always stay there...until you move into your own house. You were so excited! 

But you still took joy in playing in the box. : ) 

There was the birthday spankings along with a pinch to grow an inch. Just do me a favor and dont grow that inch for a few months because I just bought you new pants, again, and Id like them to not look like you are waiting for a flood in the next week. Seriously kid. You're killing my bank account! 

You and Shawn got tired of waiting and went and jumped some more while the adults watched the football game. You two would come in and check out the game every once in awhile and grab some snacks. 

Finally your best friend, Steven, got to the house. You grabbed him and dragged him outside as fast as you could. You couldnt wait to show him the trampoline. He was also a big fan. 

I dont know what this pose is. Some weird boy thing? But, you two are pretty cute. 

You two are little peas in a pod. Same names. Birthdays in the same month. 

Same adorableness in your own ways. I just love watching you two together. 

YES! The sock monkey from Grammy!!! You wanted this thing so bad too. You promptly named him SimpSome and declared that he looked just like you. 

By the time you were headed to bed you still hadnt even put him down.

 I have a feeling SimpSome is going to get a lot of baths. 

 While singing happy birthday to you I had to fight back some tears. Im sorry. I just cant believe how fast the time goes. You are truly and completely such a joy in my life and I savor every second with you. 

 Last Sunday we celebrated your birthday with Nana and Fred. It was a lot of fun watching you play with your brother and cousin. Im so proud of how well you share. 

As the 5th birthday festivities come to an end I want you to know that I never stop celebrating YOU. Honestly Steven, you complete our little family. I cannot imagine a day without your laugh, your hug, or one of your silly stories. I love dancing around the house with you, snuggling up to read a book with you, but most of all I love just being in the same room with you. I am so blessed to be given the gift of not only being in your life but of being your Mom. I love you so very much. Happy Birthday Steven. I pray it is a fabulous year for you.

xoxoxoxo,
Mommy