5 Years
When I think about this year, it is so hard not to think about all the bad. But I promised myself this post was not going to be about all the struggles that this year brought you, but all the good.
Michael, you have matured so much this year. You are no longer afraid to try new things. Yes, you still get scared, but you get scared and "you do it anyway." You have overcome adversity in a way that I now know throughout your life you can do anything you want.
You are bright. You are just oh so bright. Even people this year who didn't believe in your abilities said that, so I know I'm not biased. You ask amazing questions, like "why don't the stars fall down?" and "are aliens real?"" and "how do we know?" Questions I don't know the answers to. You want to be a scientist when you grow up and I have no doubt that if this is what you want you will accomplish it. You, can accomplish anything you want.
You have been counting down to this birthday with such anticipation. Every morning this past week you have asked me if you are taller, "because I'm going to be five Mommy. Five. A whole hand." "Am I five yet?" And then we would have to talk, again, about how many days you had until you were in, fact, five. "A whole hand."
Your new school has so much faith in you. Faith that six months ago I never imagined a school would have. "Stop waiting for the other shoe to drop," the director tells me. "This child is fine." "He is going to change the world," your OT tells me. And Michael, I have no doubt you will.
You recently told me that you were glad that I picked you for a kid. But I don't think that is how it works. I think you picked me. And I'm not sure exactly why, because sometimes I don't think I'm cut out for you. You challenge me in ways I never thought were possible and some days I think my worry over you will swallow me whole. But then you will tell me a joke or throw your arms around me and tell me how much you love me and I know that you picked the exact right mom for you and I never should have doubted myself.
Michael you are force to be reckoned with you. You are smart and funny and handsome and clever and turning into a mature, old soul. I wish the next year brings you all good things, joy and happiness, and not the challenges that the past year brought you. But I know this. Even if there are challenges and bumps along the way, you will conquer them. You are simply, amazing.
I love you Buddy. Bunches and bunches and scrunches. Happy Birthday. You are a "whole hand" today!
Aw. Happy Birthday, Michael!
Posted by: Metalia | 03/15/2010 at 08:17 AM
Aw. Happy Birthday, Michael!
Posted by: Metalia | 03/15/2010 at 08:17 AM
Aw. Happy Birthday, Michael!
Posted by: Metalia | 03/15/2010 at 08:17 AM
5 is going to be one awesome year. Still so ecstatic for you guys that his new school is such a great fit for him and giving him a chance to shine. The slideshow made me a bit weepy---you guys are such a sweet little family. On this cold and rainy morning, I so needed those beach pics to remind me that summer isn't all that far away.
Posted by: Heather | 03/15/2010 at 08:56 AM
Happy birthday, Michael!
Posted by: Hope | 03/15/2010 at 09:22 AM
Jodi, I think we all know the answer to "Are aliens real?"
Happy birthday, Michael!
(Btw: dig the song on the video. Arcade Fire?)
Posted by: TwoBusy | 03/15/2010 at 09:29 AM
Happy Birthday Michael! FIVE! WOOOO!
Posted by: samantha Jo Campen | 03/15/2010 at 10:06 AM
I'm so glad you overcame the challenges this year brought you, and that you finally found the perfect school fit for Michael.
What a beautiful year it has been, looking at the pictures.
Happy 5th Birthday, Michael!
Posted by: Angel | 03/15/2010 at 12:28 PM
Happy birthday to Michael!
Posted by: Jennie | 03/15/2010 at 01:20 PM
Happy Birthday to Micheal!
Posted by: Corey J Feldman | 03/15/2010 at 01:58 PM
So, so sweet! Happy Birthday, Michael!
Posted by: Bristelle | 03/15/2010 at 02:55 PM
Happy Birthday Michael! :)
Posted by: Safire | 03/15/2010 at 07:40 PM
A whole hand. Wow.
Happy Birthday, kid.
xo
Posted by: the new girl | 03/15/2010 at 07:51 PM
Wow, what a milestone birthday for both of you! I'm glad to hear Michael is doing great. Here's to the whole hand.
Posted by: Holly at Tropic of Mom | 03/15/2010 at 10:27 PM
Awesome! Congrats to you all for getting to "a whole hand"!
Posted by: Aimee @ Smiling Mama | 03/16/2010 at 12:28 PM
Beautiful words for a beautiful kid with a beautiful soul (and a beautiful mom). Here's to another beautiful year!
Posted by: rockle | 03/16/2010 at 01:37 PM
Happy Birthday Michael! You all have come so far this year. Hope he had a great day.
Posted by: FishyGirl | 03/16/2010 at 01:56 PM
So beautiful Jodi! I'm just all teary-eyed.
Happy Birthday Michael!!!
Posted by: Colleen | 03/22/2010 at 10:33 PM