Six years later

His Daddy woke him and started his day off right with a birthday song, 

and eventually my baby stumbled up the stairs for breakfast.

Store bought chocolate milk with a twisty straw, 

doesn't get much better, or so my little boy thinks. 

I picked him up for my morning hug, 

wrapping my arms tightly around his skinny little body 

and his little legs still instinctively encircled me.

 I whispered "happy birthday" into his ear

And I held him tight. 

Suddenly overcome by the very physical reminder

 in my arms that my baby is growing up.

 I held him tighter still.

I blinked and six years are gone.

I can't help but wonder...

How many more birthdays until he is too big to pick up?

How many more birthdays and he won't fit on my lap?

How many more birthdays and ....

Nope. I won't go there. Its too real, too heart wrenching. 

I look at this little boy and I wonder what happened

 to my baby, my toddler, my preschooler?

I now have this six year old who thinks

birthday's are the greatest thing ever 

and has been counting down the days...

"Your birthday is after it snows" we explain mid summer.

First snow fall and he is telling me what flavor of cake he wants.

"No, your birthday is after Jesus' birthday"

The day after Christmas and he is asking when his friends are coming over for his party.

"No, your birthday is on the 18th....

Three more Sundays...Oh, let's just get you a calendar..."

Each and every day was carefully mark off...

Fin...a...lly the 18th arrived.

He had a fun filled day at school where all the kids and even the bus driver sang to him and gave him trinkets from their bags.  After school he had a few friends over for a "fancy lunch."  

It was just enough of a party to make my party boy happy.

That night we had Grandparents over for cake and presents.

He love, Love, LOVED getting some muck boots.  

The Kayak was almost overkill after the joy of receiving the boots.

Gosh, I love this little boy.

Happy Birthday Gavin!

And for now 

I'll rejoice that he still isn't tall enough

 to get his own drink of water.