Frank is FIVE!

I cannot believe that my baby boy turned five years old yesterday.  It really is amazing how fast time flies.  Lately, I really feel like Frank is becoming a boy, a little man, and it is so amazing to watch him grow.  There are so many times when I look at him and feel like I am looking at myself.  Not just because he physically looks like me (which, he obviously does), but because so much of him and his personality comes from me.  My parents always told me I was a "difficult" child.  And I am now a stubborn, strong-willed, argumentative adult.  I have no doubt that he will be too.  But I was also creative, ambitious, hard working, and extremely intelligent - and I am proud that Frank shares those traits with me too.  He is going to be a leader, and he is going to do amazing things.

We celebrated Frank's birthday week with donuts at school on Monday and then pizza, cake, and presents last night.  It was great to spend some time at Frank's school with his class.  He was so happy to show us around his classroom.  We got to watch their morning circle time, and Frank was the leader, so he got to stand at the front of the class and help the teacher.  He held the flag while the class said the pledge of allegiance, and he got to call on other friends to answer questions.  Auntie Allison and Rylie came over last night for dinner and birthday cake.  Frank loved getting to spend some time with them, and he loved his gifts (a great improvement over last year).  We got him a tent, a big lego set, and a shark book.

I love my little boy so much, and I am thankful every day that God chose me to be his mom.  Even though he can drive me crazy, I hope he always knows how much I love him.  I never want to forget his contagious laughter when we tickle him, or how he always wants to tickle my armpits because he knows that will make me laugh.  I never want to forget that he always wants to be the first one to see Lily when she wakes up in the morning, and he bursts into her room and says "I'm coming to the rescue Sis!"  I never want to forget that he still prays for Shiny every night.  I never want to forget that he loves sharks, hates pants, and loves Halloween.  I never want to forget nights lying in his bed, telling him stories about the jungle, the ocean, and Central Africa.  I remember dancing with him when he was a baby, and reading him books and rocking him to sleep like it was yesterday.