Six Candles

Schmoo, it is so hard to believe how fast six years have flown by.

Born on Valentine's Day, you stole my heart the moment I saw you. And considering your birthday I guess it should come as no surprise that you are such a sweetheart. You have always been so willing to please, so eager to snuggle, so quick to say "I love you, Mom."

You have learned so much during the past year. As a young five year old you were often so shy and insecure that you worried whenever I wasn't in your line of sight. (The two of us would have been an enormous puddle if I had sent you away for kindergarten.) By now, you seem to have found your bearings--your naturally friendly personality is emerging from insecurity, and your comfort zone has increased dramatically. You have made new friends at our weekly homeschool co-op, and you are eagerly learning new things, whether I am in the room or not.

Your great passion seems to be science. Or maybe it's cooking. In any case it involves mixing concoctions of ingredients. You've been patiently waiting for your own laboratory, and can't seen to understand why your parents have not produced one for you yet. In the mean time, you experiment with soap and water in the bathroom, and (when I let you) various dried goods in the kitchen. And I might be allowing that more frequently now, considering last week's accomplishment. You actually produced an edible--dare I say half-decent-- soup, using dried lentils, split peas, and barley. We added a little salsa at the table, and ate it for dinner. Everyone except you, that is. (Oh yeah, and MJ. But that hardly counts--she way too picky.)

For your birthday party, you wanted to go to Skatetown. But you acquiesced to my cheaper suggestion of a party at home. I was glad, because I wanted to get you your first bicycle. You had never so much as hinted that you wanted one, but I knew that you would be thrilled. And you did not disappoint.

We love you so much Schmoo! From your heart-warming dimpled smile, to your helpfulness. From your snuggles in the morning, to your sleepy bedtime prayers at night. You bring love and joy to our family. I hope your sixth year is the best yet!