From 4-5 to 5!

Can you believe that's where he started? Screaming and wiggling and only 4lbs 5oz? And now it's been 5 years. Wow...5 years. Jack entered our lives earlier than we anticipated and he hasn't stopped surprising us since. I distinctly remember sitting next to his isolette in the NICU and wondering what his little voice would sound like, what his face would look like once he grew into a toddler and had teeth, what he'd think was funny, and I remember, more than once saying to Luke "before we know it, he'll be in Kindergarten." And here it is -- in what seems like the blink of an eye, Jack is 5 and Kindergarten is rapidly approaching (less than 2 months!). I find my breath catching in my throat when I watch him, amazed at what he's able to do, humbled by the gift that he is to us. Talk about a cup running over!

It seems silly, now at 5, to list all the things Jack can do; to chronicle his likes and dislikes, his strengths and weaknesses. The list, exhaustive as it might be, would never encompass the person he's become. He is, afterall, a big kid now. Rather I thought I'd pen my favorite things about Jack.

I love his brown eyes that sparkle as if God sprinkled them with glitter.
I love the way he sucks his thumb when he thinks no one is looking. Still a little boy sometimes...
I love the way he loves people -- his brother and sister, his family, his friends, strangers he's never met
I love the way he plays the champion in every game. He's always the brave rescuer.
I love the way he talks -- so grown-up and beyond his years. My old soul...
I love the way he loves his God. Full and unashamed. His thirst for the Word humbles, convicts, makes proud this mama.
I love the way he always slides into home plate. Even if it's not necessary.
I love the way he encourages others -- high 5's to the other team, a pat on the back to Sam.
I love the way he approaches adventure -- with absolutely no fear or trepidation.
I love the way he takes care of people -- even at his own birthday party he made sure others had what they needed, and he always takes care of mama.
I love the way he practices karate and kung fu -- even if he's only seen it in movies.
I love the way he has more confidence in his little toe than most adults have in their entire being.
I love the way he asks "what do you prefer?"
I love the way he's Jack...

Happy 5th birthday my love!

UPDATED to add growth stats:
40 lbs
41.5" tall
no head measurements anymore!

Now what...

I caught up on pictures of the kids...at least the blog-worthy stories...and now I'm not sure what to put here... ;) I know you are used to daily posts but I think I'll need some time to think now!

Future Cheerleader?

Not a bad hurkey for a 6 month old!

Once Upon A Time

Once upon a time there was a little boy named Prince Hawk. Prince Hawk usually received whatever he asked for from King Daddy and Queen Mama. Usually. But sometimes King Daddy and Queen Mama said the dreaded no. Prince Hawk was angered by the answer. He decided he would go in search of a kingdom where no didn't exist. Prince Hawk stormed to his room, packed his bag (complete with night-night blanket and Davey the Bear) and headed out the back of the castle. He stopped along the way and attempted to take the keys to Queen Mama's chariot but King Daddy informed him that the chariot was off-limits. Unmoved by the lack of transportation, Prince Hawk ventured into the stable and saddled up his trusty Red Ryder, Scooter. With Scooter in tow, Prince Hawk ventured off in search of "Somewhere Else." King Daddy and Queen Mama called after Prince Hawk saying, "We wish you'd stay. We love you very much." Prince Hawk just scowled. "If you must go," called Queen Mama, "remember to stay off the chariot path and not to leave our castle lane."

So off went Prince Hawk, being very cautious to head Queen Mama's instructions. Prince Hawk ventured through the neighboring castle's fields, finding that his trusty Red Ryder, Scooter, was not great at traversing grass.
Finding himself at the end of the his castle's lane, Prince Hawk stood for a while in the neighboring castle's field, steaming over the injustice he'd suffered.
Suddenly Prince Hawk gathered his belongings and began trudging back to the castle. Seeing him from afar, King Daddy called out, "If you're coming home, I'll help you with Scooter. Are you coming home?"

Prince Hawk shook his head "yes". King Daddy ran to meet Prince Hawk and help with his pack and Scooter. When Prince Hawk arrived home, Queen Mama and King Daddy were overjoyed he'd returned, saying, "We missed you so! We're glad you're home! We love you so much!"

And they all lived happily ever after...until King Daddy and Queen Mama had to say no again...

What was Prince Mess doing while all this was transpiring? Eating a bowl of cereal of course...

If looks could kill

Sam would be a dead man for not handing over that Tootsie Pop.

Drama Queen

I've taken pictures of all our kids mid-fit-pitching. Grace is no exception. She was more than mad at me this day...all because I walked by her and didn't pick her up. It's safe to say Grace is definitely the most dramatic child we've had!

Party Hard

My sister and I took Mom to Canton for her birthday/Mother's Day; Grace came along to round out our Girls' Weekend. With Mom gone, my boys had the house to themselves. They played t-ball, worked outside, played a little Wii and ate more than their fair share of Mac N Cheese. By the end of the weekend Sam had had more fun than a little boy could stand...

He is dead-to-the-world asleep, despite a bowl full of Mac and Batman on the TV

Dude Looks Good

Sam has his own sense of, well of everything really. I often say that Sam doesn't march to the beat of a different drummer; in his world there is no drum and he doesn't so much march as spin around in a field. He's a free spirit and is rarely guided by social norms (well, as much as any 2 year old is I suppose). Fashion is no exception and there is frequently no telling what he'll decide is appropriate dress for any given day. He's been known to wear a wool mitten (only one), swim goggles backward (with the eye pieces on his neck and the strap more like a headband), multiple pairs of pants/underwear/shirts, two different shoes, backward pants (he likes the pockets in front), etc. Recently he woke early one morning, screaming because he couldn't get his black church shoes on by himself. Take a look at what he decided would be good pj's. This is a totally different outfit than what Luke put him to bed in...

in case you can't see well, he's wearing Mickey Mouse shorts, a football shirt, blue star socks and his church shoes

Band of Brothers

Upon investigating why Jack and Sam had gotten so quiet while in the backyard (usually a sign trouble is brewing) I found them outside having a private jam/praise session. They were singing, "Shine your light and let the whole world see, we're singing for the glory of the Risen King" over and over again, each repetition a little louder than the one before it. The most beautiful music if you ask me.

excuse the photo-quality...I took this from inside, trying to get around the patio cover. I didn't want to disturb the band!

When the Moon Hits Your Eye

...Like a big pizza pie, that's amore...

Check out the pizza-makers at my favorite pizzeria. Not only do they make a super-cheesy pepperoni pizza but they are super-handsome!

Jack was very deliberate about his sauce...had to be perfect!

Sam was not so deliberate about the cheese...a mound ought to do it!

Jack's product ready to be baked

Sam and his creation pre-oven

Jack's finished pizza -- and an awesome peace sign (we're at that point already??!!)

Sam's finished pizza