Two days after Elise's birthday, comes James'. He turned 5 and with that came the notion that he's a big shot, and suddenly he is braver, stronger, more agile than before. I think his vitamins are helping with that, but now he's able to do more than ever before. For example, he thought, "now that I'm 5, I should be able to ride my bike with no training wheels". So, he tried and on the first try just rode off without them. No falling, no fear, no clue how to stop! And did just fine (he rode off into the grass to stop). Then when we took a walk the other day and 7 dogs came flying out of the neighbors yard, he didn't even flinch. And said, "wasn't I brave with those dogs?" (a huge improvement from not too long ago when even one measly dog scared the life out of him)
For his birthday, he wanted Snoopy. For Christmas he got a huge Clifford dog, and has been feeding him bones (Lincoln Logs) and a bowl of water pretty regularly. He would love to have a real dog, although we're waiting to see what happens with his allergies before we pursue that avenue. So, instead he wanted a Snoopy dog for his birthday. Very specifically, a beanbag Snoopy dog. I was able to find a Beanie Baby one on amazon (my good old friend), which made this little boy pretty happy. Thus the Snoopy cake. On his actual birthday, Dad turned out to be sick, so we brought his cake to Sunday School and shared it there. What a treat!
James is our snuggler. He loves doting on baby Isaac, and is the first to notice if Isaac is into something he shouldn't be, he will bring him to me when baby is sad, and loves feeding him "puffs" at the table (he gladly sits next to him). Every night we can expect a visit from James (either at bedtime or in the night) because he needs a cuddle. And it isn't just James that needs the cuddle. It's James with his entourage of Clifford, Snoopy, Curious George, Soft Blanket and Dump Truck Blanket.
He comes up with the most interesting topics to talk about, and always is saying funny things about his observations. He doesn't miss a thing in the observation category, and reminds me of myself when I was young. Always figuring stuff out, listening to conversation and learning about the world. I think he's ready to start reading, as he's sounding out letters and such now. The other day he asked me, "what does M-i-s-s-i-s-s-i-p-p-i spell?" We'll be starting kindergarten with him in the fall, so I'll begin teaching him to read then.
The vitamins he is taking are continuing to work, and we've been so happy with our "new" boy. When I asked him one day how he felt, he said, "Like a million dollars and one or two hundred more!" Warms my heart!
