Dear Miles,

Dear Miles,

It's your fifth birthday. Another trip around the sun. You tell me about the trips around the sun we have to take to get older. You're obsessed with birthdays, whose is next, when you will get presents, when you get to share presents.

It's been a challenging year. You started school! Pre-Kindergarten! You are an achiever. You are just learning to read! It is very exciting for all of us. You are so proud of your accomplishments. And you should be!

Four was a funny age. I don't know about all four year olds but I know about you. You don't lack self esteem. You are the fastest, the best, the biggest, the strongest. Faster than a shinkansen! Stronger than me! The best scooter rider on the block (even on your first day riding a scooter)!

You can do math in your head. You love to help: help clean, help cook, help install the curtain rod!

Seeing you evolve into a big brother has been a joy. True, you have tried to ride Will like a horse on more than one occasion, but mostly, you take really good care of him. You hug him and share with him, and help Dad and I with the baby tasks. Your teacher, Ms. Lee, says you never stop talking about him.

School has been a mixed bag. It's the first year you've ever had to wait your turn or not be the center of someone's attention. You have trouble waiting. You want your way. Those life skills of waiting and patience may come. And it's possible your stubborness will allow you to achieve great things in life. I hope! Maybe next year you'll hold off on throwing your shoes at teachers, though. Despite the hiccups we've had at school, I think you're a neat kid. Smart, engaged, sweet natured, with an avid interest in all parts of the world. The adults and kids at school adore you! Your name rings out in the halls at school. The teachers think you're fascinating and funny. The kids like to pretend and play with you. And truly, at this point, that's all that matters.

I love you Miles. I love your snuggles, your thoughtfulness, your sincerity.

I'm excited for what the next year will bring!


Love,
Mama