Happy Fifth Birthday

Dear Nathan,

It is hard to believe that half a decade has already passed since we became parents. I can still clearly remember the the moments and days after your birth as though they were yesterday. I sometimes look at you now and wonder where did that chubby cheeked little baby go, but I am quickly snap back to the hear and now because in his place is a smart, funny, creative, imaginative, independent, stubborn and opinionated 5-year old who keeps me on my toes. Although it seems time flies, if I can be honest for a moment, those first few months seemed to drag on for an eternity. We hit a few bumps in the road the first few days due to jaundice and feeding issues. It seemed that the instant bliss they talk about really just happens in the movies. The first three months are a blur of round the clock feeding, diaper changes, figuring out cries and what they mean, sleepless nights and exhaustion. However, slowly we got to know you and you us and some of that exhaustion and frustration was replaced with a bunch of firsts...smile, rolling over, sleeping through the night, eating solids, crawling and so on. Finally around 6 months we seemed to find our groove as a family. In case you are wondering, the song in this years video is from about this time in your life. Every time I hear it, it takes me back to those first experiences. At any rate, each year since has been a wild ride of emotions. You, like both your mom and dad are a bundle of nerves who needs to be coaxed into new situations, but once you try something on and enjoy it, you take it to the next level. This year it has been skateboarding. You have really taken off and enjoy going with daddy to skate parks all around the city. This year you have also started snowboarding and riding your quad. You have made so many new friends at school this year and its fun to see the games you guys play when I pick you up. You have such great imaginations. One of the coolest things about you is that you are truly a great big brother. You love Kira and you sincerely care about her feelings. You guys have such a great relationship and it has been so cool to see it develop. She truly looks up to you and I can’t imagine a better role model. I can hardly believe that in September we will be sending you off to kindergarten. Looking forward to the next half decade and beyond.

We love you buddy,

Mommy and daddy