Almost 5 Jim

10 Current Things about Sweet Jim
 
1.  Playing baseball for the first time on a team with Lucy and cousin Walt.  (Go Rattlers!) Made up his own snakelike cheer before the season started.  Favorite part of the game is chatting with the coaches while they are pitching/catching.  Seems less interested in hitting the ball, because the longer he stays at bat, the more small-talk he can make with them.
2.  Randomly introduces himself to people.  Today?  A barista.
3.  Compliments mom on new outfits or jewelry.
4.  Has a running list of several girlfriends.  Recently wanted to bring cupcakes to school for them with real engagement rings as the token gift in the frosting.
5. Has trouble controlling physical exuberance.  Ran right into a parking lot today, narrowing evading death after a loud shout from mom.    When I asked him why he didn't stop upon seeing an oncoming car, he responded that while shouting, "Yay!" his body just couldn't stop going.
6. Loves a good cleaning project.
7.  Reads quietly and puts himself down for a nap by choice often.
8.  First one awake in the morning.
9.  First one asleep at night.
10.  Philosophical and inquisitive.
 
What a sweet, crazy, loving guy. <3

Almost Eight, Pretty Great

Dear Tom,
 
Tonight I held you in my arms on our new deck chair.  We were wrapped up in a pink heart quilt, and you told me about The Lemonade Wars and wondered when the stars would come out.
 
You talk in third person.
 
You look like a young man.
 
Where has the time gone, Tommy?  Somehow, my oldest child, life has sped up and you've grown into someone so funny and intelligent and strong.  It's hard to even remember you as a little guy.  Now you're holding Frank and grabbing my bags to carry them for me.  And even holding open doors.
 
I am so proud of you, Tom, for the love you have shown me this year.  You are learning to feel what is deep within you, and to show it.  You are going to be an amazing man when you grow up.
 
I love you.
 
Mom